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V 
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A  NEWLY  DISCOVERED  SYSTEM 


ELECTRICAL  MEDICATION. 


.'0 


By  DANIEL  CLARK,  A.  M. 


-   CHICAGO: 
Rounds  &  Jambs,  Book  and  Job  Pbintkbs, 
46  Bute  BtrMt. 
1869. 


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Entered  Mscording  to  Act  of  Congren,  In  the  year  ISflO,  by 

Dahui  CutMK,  A.  H., 

in  the  Clerk  -  OfBce  of  the  Dlitrlct  Court  of  the  United  Statei  for  the 

Northern  Dlitrtct  of  IlUnoli. 


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rm«,  In  the  year  1869,  by 

A.  H., 

irt  of  the  United  8Ut«i  for  the 

>f  IlUooli. 


PREFACE. 


In  the  summer  of  1866,  the  author  of  this  little 
book,  moved  by  the  repeated  and  earnest  solicitation 
of  his  Medical  Classes,  prepared  and  printed  a  small 
pamphlet,  entitled  Practical  PrincipUs  of  Medkal 
Electricity,  designed  more  particularly,  as  the  present 
work  also  is,  as  a  Hand-Book  to  assist  the  memory  of 
those  who  have  taken  a  regular  course  of  Lectures 
from  himself,  or  from  some  other  competent  instructor 
in  the  same  general  system  of  Practice.  The  edition 
of  that  work  was  exhausted  somewhat  more  than  » 
year  ago.  Still,  the  book  hau  continued  to  be  fre- 
quently  called  for.  The  author  has,  therefore,  pre- 
pared, and  now  offers  to  the  Profession,  the  present 
volume,  comprising  the  substance  of  the  previous  work 
— corrected,  improved  in  arrangement  and  form,  and 
about  doubled  in  size  by  the  introduction  of  new  mat- 
ter. While  he  has  reason  for  gratitude  that  the  former 
macual,  referred  to  above,  has  met  with  so  favorable 


PREPACK. 


a  reception,  he  canuot  but  hope  that  the  present  work 
vill  be  found  even  more  acceptable  and  valuable  to 
both  prartitioncrs  and  their  patients. 

It  is  but  justice  to  eay  that  the  most  essentia!  prin- 
ciples of  practice  here  presented  did  not  originate  with 
the  present  author,  but  with  Prop.  C.  H.  Bolleb, 
of  Philadelphia,  their  discoverer,  from  whomi  the  wri- 
ter received  his  first  introduction  to  them.  Yet,  the 
explanationi  here  given  of  the  Law  of  Polarization,  as 
respects  the  electric  current  in  the  circuit  of  the  artifi- 
cial machine,  aa  well  as  respecting  the  natural  m&gnets 
and  magnetic  currents  of  *hb  human  organism ;  the 
introduction  of  the  lm,j  cord,  with  the  e^.planation  of 
its  advantages;  and  also  nearly  everything  of  the phil- 
os(jj)hic  theories  here  brought  to  view,  the  author  alone 
is  responsible  for. 

This  work,  like  its  little  predecessor  from  the  same 
pen  has  been  adapted  exclusively  to  the  use  of  Da. 
Jerome  Kidder's  Electro-Magnetic  Machine,  manu- 
factured and  sold,  at  present,  at  No.  644  Broadway, 
New  York;  because  the  author,  having  used  in  his  own 
practice  a  considerable  variety  of  the  most  popular 
machines  intended  for  therapeutic  purposes,  and  having 
examined  several  others,  believes  this  to  bo  incom- 
parably the  best  in  use.     Pr.  Kidder  has,  with  most 


1 


PREFACE. 


prosont  work 
d  valuable)  to 

essentitil  jtrin- 
originate  with 

H.    BOLLEH, 

»hom  the  wri- 
jm.  Yet,  the 
olarization,  as 
t  of  the  artifi- 
tural  magnets 
rganism;  the 
37.plaDation  of 
ig  of  the  phil- 
9  author  alone 

rom  the  same 
le  use  of  Dr. 
ichine,  manu- 
44  Broadway, 
sed  in  his  own 
most  popular 
!s,  and  having 
to  bo  incom- 
18,  with  most 


laudable  lenl,  pressed  on  his  researches  and  improve- 
ments in  the  mauufucture  c-''  those  instruments,  until 
there  seems  to  bo  scarcely  anything  more  in  them 
to  bo  dv  red.  They  are  certainly  not  equalled  by  any 
others  in  America,  and  probably  not  surpassed,  if 
equalled,  by  any  in  the  world.  D.  C. 

Plainfield,  III.,  June,  1869. 


♦1 


•mmmm 


T 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 
Inteoductiom *' 

FIRST  PRINCIPLES. 

De.  Jieohe  Kiddbe'b  Ei.«oieo-Maonbtio  Maohihi 21 

poiabization • 26 

The  EtKOTEio  Ciecdit 28 

POIABIZATIOH   01  THE  ClECDIT 29 

Tub  Cbnteal  Point  or  the  Cieodit 88 

ThbCoebebt °" 

Modifications  of  Electeicitt 86 

Thb  Vital  FoEOSi— Animal  and  VEOKrABLE 87 

Extent  of  Elbotbio  Aqehct • 42 

Thboby  of  Man ^^ 

The  Loweb  Animals '. 6* 

The  Vboetablb  Kingdom ^^ 

Natubal  Polaeization  of  Man's  Physical  Obqanism...  56 

Electbical  Classification  of  Diseases 68 

Philosopht  of  Disease  and  Cube '>8 


VIU  CONTENTS. 

PRINCIPLES  OP  PRACTICE. 

Page. 
PoiAE  Antaqonism 61 

Importance  of  Noting  thb  Central  Point 62 

Distinctive  Use  of  Each  Pole 63 

Use  of  the  Lono  Cobd 69 

The  Inwaed  and  the  Odtwahd  Cdbrent 74 

Mechanical  Effect  of  Each  Pole .,. 76 

Relaxkd  and  Atrophied  Conditions 77 

General  Direction  of  the  Current 77 

Treatino  with  Elf.ctrolttio  Currents 79 

Positive  and  Neoativb  Manifestations 81 

Healino 84 

Diagnosis 84 

PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Preliminabt  Remarks , 94 

Qeneral  Tonic  Treatment 95 

Common  Colds 98 

Cefhalaqia  (Headache) lOO 

Deafness 102 

Noises  in  the  Head 103 

Inflamed  Etes 103 

Amaurosis 104 

Strabismus  (Discordance  of  the  Eyes) 104 

Catarrh  (Acute) 105 

Catarrh  (Chronic) 105 

Diphtheria 106 

Aphonia  (Loss  of  Voice) 106 


CTICE. 

Page. 
61 

OINT 62 

63 

69 

NT 74 

75 

77 

77 

rs 79 

N8 81 

84 

, 84 

I. 

, 94 

, 95 

, 98 

lOd 

102 

108 

103 

, 104 

1 104 

105 

105 

106 

106 


CONTENTS.  IX 

Page. 

CEOUP 108 

108 

Asthma 

Hepatization  op  Lungs ^" 

108 

Pneumonia 

Pulmonary  Phthisis  (Consumption) 109 

Neuralgia  and  Rheumatism  of  thb  Heart HI 

Enlargement  and  Ossification  op  the  Heart 112 

112 
Palpitation  of  the  Heart '^•' 

112 
Torpid  Liver 

Hepatitis  (Inflammation  of  Liver) H^ 

118 
Enlargement  op  Liver * 

Biliary  Calculi  (Gravel  in  Liver) H* 

Intermittent  Fever  (Ague  and  Fever) 114 

Nephritis  (Inflammation  of  Kidneys) H^ 

Renal  Calculi  (Gravel  in  the  Kidneys) 116 

Diabetes  (A  Kidney  BJEease) H^ 

117 
Dyspepsia 

Acute  Diarriiosa , H^ 

Cheonio  Diarrhcea H^ 

Cholio  (of  whatever  kind) 120 

Cholera  Morbus **" 

Cholera  (Malignant) 1^0 

122 
Dysentery 

192 

Constipation  of  Bowels '. ^" 

HonMORKiioiDs  (Piles) 1^3 

Rheumatism  (Acute  Inflammatory) 123 

Rheumatism  (Chronic) 12^ 

Dbopst 12^ 


■=&^^s3m. 


w 


CONTENTS. 


NEtJEALOIA ^" 

Sciatica „ !"."1."".  127 

^*''*"" ZZZj28 

Ebtsipilas j„„ 

Ekuptivb  Cutankous  D18IA8E8 ]i8o 

Common  Cbamp ,., 

_  lol 

XKI8MU8  (Lockjaw) J32 

^"*'""' ~"~'Z"aS2 

^^'"^'"' 138 

Asphyxia  (Suspended  Animation) 134 

Rkcent  Wounds,  Contusions  and  Bueks 134 

OtD  Ulcibs. ,„, 

loo 

Hemorbhaqb 

loo 

CHL0EOS18  (Green  Sickness) jgg 

AMENOBEHoiA  (Suppressed  Menstruation) ;..., 137 

DrsMENOBBHfflA  (Painful  Menstruation) 137 

Menoebhaqia  (Excessive  Menstruation) 133 

Peolapsus  Utebi  (Falling  of  the  Womb) 139 

Leucobehoia  (Whites) j^ 

SpbEMATOEEH(BA j^jj 

Impotence ,., 

• 141 


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...127 

...128 

...129 

...180 

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.184 

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.136 

.136 

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.187 

.187 

.138 

.139 

,140 

140 

141 


INTRODUCTION. 


Considerable  parts  of  this  book  have  been  written 
for  the  unlearned.  For  the  scholarly  reader  such 
parte,  of  course,  would  be  wholly  superfluous;  yet  it  is 
hoped  that  they  to  whom  these  are  familiar  will  be 
patient  in  passing  through  them  for  the  sake  of  others 
to  whom  they  may  be  instructive.  Other  parts,  again, 
it  is  believed,  will  be  found  new  to  the  most  of  even 
educated  minds.  But  men  of  the  largest  intellectual 
attainments  are  commonly  the  most  docile.  Such  men, 
meeting  this  little  work,  will  not  shrink  from  a  candid 
examination  of  its  contents  merely  on  account  of  their 
comparative  novelty,  nor  because  the  views  expressed 
differ  essentially  from  those  usually  held  by  the  med- 
ical faculty.  The  candid,  yet  critical,  attention  of  such 
gentlemen,  the  [author  especially  solicits.  He  assures 
them  that  he  does  not  write  at  random,  but  from  care- 
ful research  and  practical  experience.  His  phihsphic 
theories  he  offers  only  for  what  they  are  worth.  His 
principles  of  practice  he  believes  to  be  scientifically 
correct  and 'of  great  value. 


1-^ 


ll 


[I  I      I 

I     ' 


Xll 


INTRODUCTION. 


Let  it  not  be  supposed  that  the  author,  in  this  work, 
assumes  a  belligerent  attitude  towards  the  members  of 
the  medical  profession.     Although  anxious  to  modify 
and  elevate  their  estimate  of  electricity  as  a  remedial 
agent,  and  to  improve  their  methods  of  using  it,  he  haa 
no  sympathy  with  those  who  profess  to  believe,  and 
who   assert,  that  medicines  of  the  apothecary  never 
effect  the  cure  of  disease;  that  where  they  are  thought 
to  cure,  they  simply  do  not  kill;  and  who  contend  that 
the  patient  would  have  recovered  'quicker  and  better 
to  have  taken  no  mo    cine  at  all.     He  knows  that  such 
allegations  are  false,  as  they  are  extravagant;  and  so 
does  every  candid  and  unprejudiced  observer  whose 
experience  has  given  him   ordinary  opportunities  to 
judge.     The  writer  believes  it  can  be  perfectly  demon- 
strated that  the  advancement  of  medical  science  in 
modern  times — say  within  the  last  two  or  three  hundred 
years — has  served  to  essentially  prolong  the  average 
term   of  human   life.      The   world   owes   to   medical 
instructors  and  practitioners  a  debt  of  gratitude  which 
can  never  be  paid.     Their  laborious  and  often  perilous 
research  in  the  fields  of  their  profession,  and  their 
untiring  assiduity  in  the  application  of  their  science 
and  skill  to  the  relief  of  human  suffering,  entitle  them 
to  a  degree  of  confidence  and  affectionate  esteem  which 
few  other  classes  of  public  servants  can  rightfully  claim. 
For  one,  the  author  of  this  little  book  most  sincerely 
concedes  to  them,    ..  a  body,  his  confidence,  his  sym- 
pathy, and  his  grateful  respect.    And  the  most  that  he 
is  willing  to  say  to  their  discredit,  (if  it  be  so  con- 


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thor,  in  this  work, 
ds  the  members  of 

anxious  to  modify 
icity  as  a  remedial 

of  using  it,  he  has 
188  to  believe,  and 

apothecary  never 
e  they  are  thought 
I  who  contend  that 
quicker  and  better 
le  knows  that  such 
stravagant;  and  so 
ed  observer  whose 
•y  opportunities  to 
)e  perfectly  demon- 
medical  science  in 
ro  or  three  hundred 
rolong  the  average 
[  owes  to  medical 
of  gratitude  which 
9  and  often  perilous 
Dfession,  and  their 
on  of  their  science 
fering,  entitle  them 
ouate  esteem  which 
san  rightfully  claim, 
took  most  sincerely 
3onfidence,  his  sym- 
ad  the  most  that  he 
t,  (if  it  be  so  oon- 


INTRODUCTION. 


XlU 


strued),  is  that  he  regards  them  as  having  not  yet 
attained  perfection  in  their  high  profession,  and  as  not 
being  generally  as  willing  as  they  should  be  to  examine 
fairly  into  the  alleged  merits  of  remedial  agents  and 
improved  principles  of  practice,  (claimed  to  be  such), 
when  brought  forward  by  intelligent,  cultivated  and 
respectable  men,  outside  of  "  the  regular  profession." 
Tiiis  is  said  at  the  same  time  that  the  author  gives 
much  weight,  to  their  commonly  offered  defence,  viz : 
that,  in  the  midst  of  professional  engagements,  they 
have  not  always  the  time  to  spare  for  such  examina- 
tion ;  and  that,  since  the  most  of  alleged  improvements 
in  the  healing  art,  particularly  of  those  introduced  by 
persons  who  have  not  received  a  regular  medical  edu- 
cation, sooner  or  later  prove  themselves  to  be  worthless, 
the  presumption — though  not  the  certainty — is,  when- 
ever a  new  agent,  or  a  new  method  or  principle  is  pro- 
posed by  un  "  outsider,"  that  this,  too,  if  not  willful 
charlatanism,  is  a  mistake ;  and  therefore,  the  sooner 
it  comes  to  an  end  the  better  it  will  be  for  the  public 
health,  and  that  neglect  is  the  surest  way  to  kill  it. 

But  the  medical  faculty  have  too  widely  employed 
electricity  in  the  treatment  of  disease,  and  that  with 
too  frequent  success,  to  admit  of  its  being  denied  a 
place  among  important  therapeutic  agents  by  any 
respectable  practitioner.  The  qnly  questions  concern- 
ing it  now  are  those  which  rela.-  'o  the  versatility  of 
its  power,  the  scope  of  its  useful  applicability,  and 
the  principles  which  should  guide  in  the  administra- 
tion of  it.  The  general  subject  embraced  in  these 
■> 


f  t 
(  » 
I  \ 

•  J 
I  i 


iifr 


i'^ 


'i 


i 


I 


XIV 


INTRODUCTION. 


questions  is  one  in  which  suffering  humanity  has  a 
right  to  claim  that  physicians  shall  be  at  home. 

And  yet  it  will  scarcely  be  denied  that,  in  the  exhi- 
bition of  electricity,  more  than  of  almost  any  other 
therapeutic  agent,  medical  practitioners  feel  incertitude 
as  to  what  shall  be  its  effect.  Now  and  then  it  acta  as 
they  expected  it  to  do;  sometimes  it  pleasantly  sur- 
prises them ;  oftener  it  offensivelj  disappoints  them. 
They  find  it  imreliuble.  Of  other  remedial  agents,  they 
commonly  know,  before  administering  them,  what  sort 
of  effect  will  bo  produced;  but  in  employing  this  while 
they  have  hope,  they  are  generally  more  or  less  in 
doubt.  They  regard  it  as  a  tlimulant ;  although  its 
action  on  the  Jiving  organism  appears  to  them  to  be 
largely  veiled  in  mystery.  In  many  cases  of  disease, 
particularly  those  of  acutely  inflammatory  or  febrile 
character,  they  judge  it  to  be  not  at  all  indicated.  To 
administer  it  iu  a  case  of  bilious  or  typhoid  fever,  or 
in  a  case  of  pneumonia,  pleuritis,  gastritis,  inflamma- 
tory rheumatism,  or  acute,  and  especially  epidemic 
or  malignant  dysentery,  or  in  a  case  of  pulmonary 
phtLisis,  would  probably  be  viewed  by  t  ic  most  of 
physicians  as  the  rashest  empiricism,  if  not  the  next 
thirjg  to  madness.  The  idea  o/produciiig  antagonistic 
effects  with  it  at  will,  they  would,  for  the  most  part, 
esteem  preposterous.  Rather,  perhaps,  it  may  be  said 
of  the  majority  of  medical  practitioners  that  such  an 
idea  has  never  entered  their  minds ;  so  foreign  is  it  to 
their  conceptions  of  truth  and  propriety.  But,  at  what- 
ever risk  of  discredit  or  censure,  the  writer  of  the 


IS  I 

Wl 
tow 


vai 


INTRODUCTION. 


XV 


humanity  has  a 
)  at  home, 
that,  in  the  exhi- 
ilmost  any  other 
:s  feel  incertitude 
nd  then  it  acta  as 
it  pleasantly  sur- 
lisappoints  them, 
ledial  agents,  they 
;  them,  what  sort 
)loyiDg  this  while 

more  or  less  in 
ant;  although  its 
irs  to  them  to  he 

cases  of  disease, 
matory  or  febrile 
ill  indicated.     To 

typhoid  fever,  or 
astritis,  inflamma- 
pecially  epidemic 
ise  of  pulmonary 
1  by  t!ie  most  of 
1,  if  not  the  next 
ucing  antagonistic 
or  the  most  part, 
ps,  it  may  be  said 
mcrs  that  such  an 
so  foreign  is  it  to 
ity.  But,  at  what- 
the  writer  of  the 


present  volume  avers  that  this  idea  is  both  soientifioally 
sound  and  of  every  day's  practical  verification.  The 
various  and  opposite  forms  of  disease — acute  and 
chronic,  hypersthenic  and  asthenic — are  habitually 
treated  and  cured,  in  his  own  practice  and  that  of  his 
students,  by  electricity  alone. 

But  "cMi  bono?"  may  be  asked.  "What  if  it  be 
true  that  these  things  can  be  done  with  electricity  ? 
They  are  also  done  with  medicines,  which  are  more 
quickly  and  conveniently  administered,  and  usually  less 
.annoying  to  the  patient.  What,  therefore,  is  the  prac- 
tical utility  of  your  electric  system  above  the  ordinary 
practice,  especially  if  we  include,  in  the  latter,  electrical 
treatment  as  occasionally  employed  by  the  most  of 
respectable  physicians?" 

This  is  the  important  question — that  to  which  the 
author  desires  to  call  particular  attention.  He,  there- 
fore, answers: 

First. — It  is  manifestly  true  that  the  most  of  dis- 
eases, (the  exceptions  are  comparatively  few),  can  be 
cured  by  the  ufie  of  medicines.  It  is  also  true  that 
these  can  generally  be  administered  with  more  conven- 
ience and  less  expenditure  of  time  to  the  practitioner 
than  electricity ;  and  this  is  a  great  advantage.  The 
author  is  often  asked  if  he  thinks  his  electric  system 
will  ever  supercede  the  use  of  medicines.  His  auswev 
is  uniformly,  "  No."  It  takes  too  much  time  for  that. 
Where  the  population  is  crowded,  as  in  cities  and  large 
towns,  it  is  often  the  case,  especially  in  times  of  pre- 
vailing epidemic,  that  a  physician  can  prescribe  medi- 


^nHM 


nr 


XVI 


IHTRODUCTION. 


(  I      V 

!1 


cine  for  half  a  dozen  or  more  patients  in  the  time 
required  to  treat  one  electrically.  To  reject  medicines 
and  rely  alone  on  electricity  would,  in  periods  and 
places  of  prevailing  sickness,  leave  many  sufferers 
without  professional  service,  or  would  require  that  the 
proportion  of  doctors  to  the  whole  population  should 
be  largely  increased— a  thing  certainly  not  often  to  be 
desired.     So  much,  candor  must  concede. 

Second. — It  is  not  quite  true  that  medicines  are 
usually  less  annoying  to  the  patient  than  electricity  as 
we  '?se  it.  As  administered  by  others,  it  is  often 
nearly  intolerable.  In  our  hands,  on  the  contrary,  it 
seldom  •  iflicts  any  pain  or  distress,  and  almost  inva- 
riably bf  -omes  agreeable  to  the  patient  after  a  very 
few  applications.  We  have  no  occasion  to  torture  our 
patients  in  order  to  cure  them.  But  the  cases  are 
comparatively  rare  where  medicines  are  not  offensive; 
commonly  they  arc  excessively  so. 

ITiird. — In  not  a  few  diseases,  and  these  among  the 
most  dangerous  or  distressful,  the  electric  current, 
employed  according  to  the  system  here  taught,  is  able 
to  reach,  control  and  cure,  with  facility,  where  medi- 
cines are  but  alowly,  and  in  most  instances  imperfectly 
successful,  or  fail  altogether.  This  is  said,  or  Jieant  to 
be  said,  not  invidiously  nor  boastingly,  but  in  the  can- 
did utterance  of  a  great  and 'practically  demonstrated 
truth.  It  is,  perhaps,  most  often  exemplified  in  neu- 
ralgic, rheumatic  and  paralytic  affections.  The  author 
is  happy  to  acknowledge  that  these  diseases  are  fre- 
quently mitigated,  and  occasionally  cured,  by  means 


INTRODUCTION. 


xvli 


mts  ia  the  time 
>  reject  mediciaeB 
,  in  periods  and 
I  many  sufferers 
i  require  that  the 
population  should 
ly  not  often  to  be 
lede. 

lat  medicines  are 
ihan  electricity  aa 
bhers,  it   is  often 

0  the  contrary,  it 
and  almost  inva- 

iient  after  a  very 
don  to  torture  our 
But  the  cases  are 
are  not  offensive; 

1  these  among  the 
electric   current, 

lere  taught,  is  able 
sility,  where  medi- 
stances  imperfectly 
is  said,  or  Jieant  to 
;ly,  but  in  the  can- 
sally  demonstrated 
ixemplified  in  neu- 
tions.  The  author 
i  diseases  are  fre- 
f  cured,  by  means 


of  electrical  treatment  administered  by  those  who 
know  nothing  of  the  system  here  taught.  But  the 
important  fact  is,  in  their  hands  there  is  no  certainty 
08  to  the  effect  before  trial.  Under  thin  system,  the 
kind  of  effect  is  as  certainly  known  before  as  aft«r  the 
trial,  since  it  can  be  made  one  thing  or  another  at  will. 

Gases  are  not  unfrequently  presented  of  inflamma- 
tory action,  more  especially  where  it  is  internal — 
traumatic  cases  and  others — which  the  practitioner 
finds  it  impossible  to  subdue  with  medicine.  But,  with 
a  proper  knowledge  of  the  b;  em  herein  taught,  he 
has  at  his  command  a  power  with  which  he  can  control 
such  cases  with  almost  infallible  certainty,  provided 
he  can  get  access  to  them  within  reasonable  time. 
The  same  may  be  said  of  fevers,  particularly  those 
occasioned  by  miasmatic  or  infectious  virus.  These 
are  often  difficult  to  manage  by  the  use  of  medicine, 
and  not  seldom  prove  fatal,  in  spite  of  the  best  talent 
and  skill  which  the  profession  can  afford.  But  the 
electric  current,  rightly  selected  and  scientifically 
applied,  destroys  or  neutralizes  the  virus  and  restores 
the  normal  polarization,  and  so  effects  a  cure. 

Neuralgic  affections  are  frequently  found  difficult,  or 
even  impossible,  to  be  cured  by  means  of  medicines,  and 
yet,  in  the  very  same  cases,  these  affections  yield  and 
disappear  with  comparative  facility  when  brought  under 
the  electric  current,  judiciously  applied,  according  to 
the  principles  of  this  new  system. 

Chronic  cases,  and  others  of  an  asthenic  character, 
are  oft«n  very  stubborn  under  the  medicines  of  phar- 


XVllI 


INTRODUCTION. 


jl 
I    t 


maoy,  and  are  commonly  the  dread  of  phyBioianB ;  yot, 
under  Bcientific  trctttniont  by  electricity,  they  rarely 
fail  to  lose  their  formidable  character  and  to  become 
obedient  to  the  remedial  agent. 

Fourth. — Tn    enumerating  »v  few   of   the   peculiar 
advantages  of  this  system,  I  should  add  that  it  corrects 
the  usual  electric  practice  of  the  profession,  so  far  as 
they  become  acquainted  with  it.     As  before  intimated, 
the  mass  of  physicians  at  present,  who  treat  more  or 
less  electrically,  do  so  with  no  knowledge,  or  next  to 
none,  of  the  great  vermtility  of  action  of  which  the 
electric  current  is  capable.     They  know  nothing  of 
the  electrical  polarization  of  the  living  organism  in 
health,  nor  how  it  is  variously  affected  in  disease.     The 
particular  electrical  state  of  the  diseased  organs  is  a  mat- 
ter foreign  to  their  minds.   They  appear  to  suppose  the 
point  to  be  immediately  aimed  at  as  a  means  of  cure  is 
to  get  the  electricity  from  the  machine  iwto  the  affected 
part  or  parts ;  whereas  it  should  be  to  change,  by  cor- 
rection, ih& polarization  of  the  part  or  parts;  and,  if 
there  be  virus  present,  to  neutralize   that.     Equally 
unacquainted    are    they  generally  with  the    diverse 
physiological  action  of  the  several  modifications  of  the 
electric  force — galvanism,  magnetism,  faradaism,  and 
frictional  electricity.     This,  in  their  candor,  they  com- 
monly acknowledge.     And,  for  the  most  part,  they  are 
little  or  nothing  better  acquainted  with  the  distinctive 
effects  on  the  system  of  the  positive  and  negative  poles 
of  the  instrument.     There  is,  therefore,  plainlv  no 
science  in   their   electrical   practice.     Every  thing  is 
done  at  random — all  is  empirical. 


phyoioianH ;  yot, 
;ity,  they  rarely 
r  and  to  bocouio 

of   the   peculiar 
d  that  it  correct* 
fossioD,  BO  far  as 
before  intimated, 
10  treat  more  or 
ledge,  or  next  to 
3n  of  which  the 
:now  nothing  of 
ing  organism  in 
in  disease.     The 
d  organs  in  a  niat- 
lar  to  suppose  the 
means  of  cure  is 
!  'uto  the  affected 
o  change,  by  oor- 
or  parts;  and,  if 
a   that.     Equally 
rith  the    diverse 
)difications  of  the 
\,  faradaism,  and 
candor,  they  com- 
lost  part,  they  are 
ith  the  distinctive 
md  negative  poles 
ofore,  plainly  no 
Every  thing  is 


f 


INTHODUCTION. 


IIX 


But  the  Hystem  here  taught  opens  the  light  upon  all 
of  these  points.     For  practical  purposes,  at  least,  it  is, 
in  its  essential  features,  the  only  system  of  electrical 
therapeutics  which  ha«  in  it  any  real  mcritr— the  only 
system  which  cun  be  true.     By  this,  the  writer  does 
not  moan  to  assert,  or  to  imply,  that  the  little  book 
now  before  the  reader  contains   no   error,  cither   in 
respect  to  theory  or  practice.     In  this  early  stage  of 
our  system's  history,  it  would  bo  remarkable  if  it  did 
not  contain  errors  in  both  these  respects.     But  what 
it  is  intended  to  affirm  is,  that  the  book  presents  the 
cardinal  features  of  a  true,  and  the  only  possibly  true, 
system  of  electrical  practice.     All  possibly  true  syn- 
tems  of  geometry  must  necessarily  be  essentially  the 
game ;    and  so,  too,  all  possibly  true  systems  of  elec- 
trical medication  must  be  essentially  one.     That  one 
system,  it  is  candidly  and  confidently  believed,  is  briefly 
contained  in  the  present  little  volume. 


■"^ 


ELECTRICAL  MEDICATION. 


FIRST  PRINCIPLES. 

DR.    JEROME    KIDDER'S    BLBOTRO-M AQNETIO 
MAOHINB. 

On  opening  the  machine-box,  as  it  comes  from 
the  manufacturer,  there  will  be  found  a  glass 
bottle,  intended  to  hold  the  battery  fluid  when 
not  in  use;  a  glass  cup  or  jar,  to  serve  as  the 
battery  cell;  a  pair  of  insulated  metallic  con- 
ducting cords ;  two  tin  electrodes ;  a  brass  clamp ; 
and,  under  the  helix-box,  (which  raise),  the  bat- 
tery metals  and  two  connecting  wires  to  unite 
the  battery  with  the  helix. 

To  put  the  machine  in  working  condition— 
ready  for  use — proceed,  step  by  step,  as  follows, 
viz  :  Prepare  the  Battery  Fluid  by  mixing  twelve 
parts,  by  measure,  of  water  with  one  part  of 
sulphuric  acid,  (good  commercial  acid  is  pure 
*2 


■■II    #■ 


22  ELECTRICAL  MEDICATION. 

enough),  sufficient  to  fill  the  cell  two-thirda  or 
three-fourths  full,  and  place  in  it  about  one-third 
of  an  ounce  of  quicksilver. 

Next,  place  the  platina  plate  between  the  two 
zinc  plates,  standing  on  their  legs  upon  a  table  be- 
fore you;   and  bring  the  top  of  the  wooden  bar, 
(in  a  groove  of  which  the  platina  is  set),  up  flush 
with  the  top  of  the  zinc  plates.    Let  the  brass  post, 
standing  on  the  top  of  this  bar  and  soldered  to 
the  platina  plate  below,  be  toward  the  left-hand 
side.    Then  take  the  brass  clamp  and  place  it 
across  the  top  of  these  metallic  plates,  a  little 
to  the  right  of  the  brass  post,  or  about  midway 
between  the  right  and  left  sides,  having  its  thumb- 
screw towards  you,  and  with  it  screw  the  three 
plates  firmly  together.     The  platina  is  shorter 
than  the  zincs,  to  prevent  its  reaching  the  quick- 
silver in  the  bottom  of  the  cell;   and  the  wax 
balls  on  its  sides  are  to  insulate  it  from  the  zinc 
plates.    This  platina  should  never  be  allowed  to 
touch  the  mercury  or  the  zinc. 

Let  the  plates,  properly  screwed  together,  be 
now  placed  in  the  cell  with  the  Battery  Fluid. 
Then,  with  the  two  copper  connecting-wires,  con- 
nect the  post  which  stands  on  the  wooden  bar 
above  the  platina  with  the  post  stamped  P  on  the 


!or>,'s»>3ssBr" 


m 


CATION. 

3  cell  two-thirds  or 
in  it  about  one-third 

ate  between  the  two 
legs  upon  a  table  be- 
(  of  the  wooden  bar, 
itina  is  set),  up  flush 
.    Let  the  brass  post, 

bar  and  soldered  to 
toward  the  left-hand 

clamp  and  place  it 
itallic  plates,  a  little 
ast,  or  about  midway 
ies,  having  its  thumb- 
th  it  screw  the  three 
be  platina  is  shorter 
ts  reaching  the  quick- 
ie cell;   and  the  wax 
ulate  it  from  the  zinc 
d  never  be  allowed  to 

nc. 
screwed  together,  be 
h  the  Battery  Fluid, 
connecting-wires,  con- 
Is  on  the  wooden  bar 
post  stamped  P  on  the 


BLEOTRICAL  MEDICATION. 


28 


helix-box,  and  the  brass  clamp  N  with  the  post 
N  on  the  helix-box. 

If,  now,  the  screws  regulating  the  vibrating 
armature  be  in  perfect  adjustment,  the  current 
will  commence  to  ran,  with  a  buzzing  sound;  or 
it  may  be  made  to  stbrt  by  touching  the  hammer- 
like head  of  the  flat  steel  spring.  If  not,  the  screws 
may  be  rightly  adjusted  in  the  following  way: 
The  top  screw,  which  at  its  lower  point  is  tipped 
with  a  small  coil  of  platina  wire,  sho'ild  be  made 
to  press  delicately  upon  the  center  of  the  little 
iron  plate  on  the  upper  side  of  the  spring,  so  as  to 
bear  the  latter  down  very  slightly.  Then  raise  or 
depress  the  screw-magnet,  which  turns  up  or  down 
under  the  hammer,  like  the  seat  of  a  piano-stool, 
until  the  vibration  of  the  spring  commences.  The 
rapidity  of  the  vibrations,  by  which  is  secured  the 
alternate  closing  and  breaking  of  the  electric 
circuit,  (or  rather  what,  in  practical  effect,  is 
equivalent  to  this — the  direct  and  reverse  action 
of  the  current  in  alternation),  is  increased  by 
raising  the  screw-magnet  and  diminished  by  low- 
ering it.  When  it  is  raised  above  what  is  required 
for  ordinary  use,  the  noise  becomes  too  loud  and 
harsh  for  many  nervous  patients  to  bear.  It 
should  then  be  depressed  a  little. 


it  \ 


24  BLBOTRICAL   MEDICATION. 

With  reapect  to  curative  power,  I  have  discov- 
ered but  little  perceptible  diff«"-ence,  produced  by 
the  various  degrees  of  rapidity  in  the  vibrations, 
efifected  within  the  range  of  this  magnet. 

The  force  of  the  current  is  regulated  by  means 
of  a  tubular  magnet,  which  slides  over  the  helix, 
and  is  called  the  plunger.  It  is  approached 
under  a  brass  cap  at  the  right-hand  end  of  the 
machine.  The  plunger  is  withdrawn,  more  or 
less,  to  increase  the  force;  pushed  in  to  .IWnmish 
it.  If  in  any  case  the  current  cannot  be  softened 
sufficiently  with  the  plunger,  the  quantity  of 
battery  fluid  in  use  must  be  made  less. 

After  a  time  the  current  will  become  weak,  and 
fail  to  run  well.  Then  renew  the  battery  fluid. 
When  the  quicksilver  is  all  taken  up  by  the  zinc 
plates,  the  machine  may  be  run  for  a  while  with- 
out adding  more.  But  after  it  has  considerably 
disappeared  from  the  inside  surface  of  the  zinc 
plates,  the  latter  will  begin  to  show  more  rapid 
corrosion,  while  the  current  will  be  less.  Then 
let  a  small  quantity  of  quicksilver— one-fourth 
to  one-third  of  an  ounce  — again  be  placed  in 

the  fluid. 

When  the  machine  is  not  in  use,  let  the  metals 
be  removed  from  the  fluid;  and,  if  not  to  be  soon 


t( 
fi 
I 

0 
V 

a 
t 
r 

^ 

I 

I 
1 

1 
I 

B 
t 
( 

I 
E 
I 


ION. 

r,  I  have  discov- 
ice,  produced  by 
the  vibrations, 
magnet. 

;ulated  by  means 
over  the  helix, 
is  approached 
hand  end  of  the 
idrawn,  more  or 
jd  in  to  (1'minish 
ginnot  be  softened 

the  quantity  of 
ade  less. 

become  weak,  and 
the  battery  fluid, 
en  up  by  the  zinc 
I  for  a  while  with- 
;  has  considerably 
irface  of  the  zinc 

show  more  rapid 
U  be  less.  Then 
lilver — one-fourth 
rain  be  placed  in 

use,  let  the  metals 
I,  if  not  to  be  soon 


BLEOTRIGAL   MEDICATION. 


26 


again  used,  let  them  be  rinsed  with  water,  care- 
fully avoiding  to  wet  the  wooden  bar  in  which 
the  platina  is  set. 

The  poiU,  .with  which  the  conducting-cords  are 
to  be  connected,  are  arranged  in  a  row  near  the 
front  of  the  helix-box,  and  are  marked  A,  B,  G, 
D.  Either  two  of  these  posts  may  be  used  to 
obtain  a  current;  and  since  they  admit  of  six 
varying  combinations,  six  different  currents  are 
afforded  by  the  machine,  viz :  the  A  B  current, 
the  A  C  current,  the  A  D  current,  the  B  C  cur- 
rent, the  B  D  current,  and  the  C  D  current. 
Whichever  current  is  used,  it  may  always  be 
known  which  of  the  two  posts  employed  is  the 
positive  and  which  the  negative,  by  observing  the 
letters  stamped  upon  their  tops.  The  one  whose 
letter  comes  first  in  the  order  of  the  alphabet  is 
positive;  the  other  is  negative.  Also,  the  one 
standing  towards  the  left  hand  is  positive,  and 
that  at  the  right  hand  is  negativp.  The  qualities 
of  the  several  currents  are  stated  in  a  descriptive 
paper  on  the  inside  of  the  lid  of  the  machine,  which 
see.  It  will  there  be  found  that  three  of  the  cur 
rents — ^viz,  the  A  B,  the  A  C  and  the  A  D  currents 
—  are  electrolytic:  that  is,  dissolving  by  electric 
action.     These  electrolytic  currents  require  to  be 


26 


ELBOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


uBed — one  or  another  of  them — whenever  any 
chemical  action  is  needed ;  as,  in  decomposing  or 
neutralizing  virus  in  the  system,  destroying  can- 
cers, reducing  glands  when  chronically  enlarged, 
removing  tumors  or  other  abnormal  growths,  and 
in  treating  old  ulcers  and  chronic  irritation  of 
mucous  membranes.  The  other  three,  being  Far- 
adaic  or  induction  currents,  and  having  no  percepti- 
bly chemical  action,  are  used  where  only  change 
of  electro-vital  polarization  is  required.  These 
Faradaio  currents  diflFer  from  each  other  in  respect 
to  being  conoerUrative  or  diffusive  in  their  effects, 
and  in  their  sensational  force.  B  C  is  concentra- 
tive  and  delicately  sensational.  C  D  is  also  con- 
oentrative,  though  less  so  than  B  0,  and  is  more 
strongly  sensational.  B  D  is  diffusive,  and  the 
most  energetically  sensational  of  the  three. 

POLARIZATION. 

It  may  be  proper,  in  this  place,  to  spend  a  few 
words  upon  electrical  polarization  in  general. 

Electrical  polarity  may  be  defined  as  a  charac- 
teristic of  the  electric  or  magnetic  fluid,  by  virtue 
of  which  its  opposite  qualities^  as  those  of  attrac- 
tion and  repulsion  towards  the  same  object,  are 
manifested  in  opposite  parts  of  the  electric  or  mag- 


ni 

pi 
T 

P' 
b( 
F 

01 

P^ 
ti 

q' 
p< 
q' 

01 

m 
tr 

1] 
to 

U 

e: 

tl 

tl 

P' 
m 

ei 

si 

al 


i*3« 


■whenever  any 
lecompoaing  or 
lestroying  can- 
cally  enlarged, 
il  growths,  and 
io  irritation  of 
Lree,  being  Far- 
ing no  percepti- 
re  only  change 
quired.  These 
other  in  respect 

in  their  effects, 
G  is  concentra- 
}  D  is  also  oon- 

C,  and  is  more 
ffusive,  and  the 
the  three. 


,  to  spend  a  few 
in  general, 
aed  as  a  charac- 
3  fluid,  by  virtue 
those  of  attrae- 
lame  object,  are 
I  electric  or  mag- 


BLKOTRIOAL  MBOIOATION. 


ST 


netic  body.  These  opposite  parts  are  called  the 
poles  of  the  body,  as  the  posUive  and  negative  poles. 
The  difference  between  the  positive  and  negative 
poles  is  believed  to  be  that  of  plut  &nd  minus — plus 
being  positive  and  minus  negative.  This  is  the 
Franklinian  view,  and,  if  I  mistake  not,  is  the 
one  most  in  favor  with  men  of  science  at  the 
present  day.  This  view  supposes  that  the  elec- 
tricity or  magnetism  arranges  itself  in  maximvm 
quantity  and  intensity  at  the  one  extremity  or 
pole  of  the  magnetized  body,  and  in  minimum 
quantity  and  intensity  at  the  opposite  extremity 
or  pole;  and  that,  between  these  points — the 
maximum  and  the  minimum — the  fluid  is  dis- 
tributed, in  respect  to  quantity  and  intensity, 
upon  a  scale  of  regular  graduation  from  the  one 
to  the  other.  The  idea  may  be  represented  by  a 
line,  commencing  in  a  point  at  the  one  end,  and 
extending,  with  regularly  increasing  breadth,  to 
the  other  end.  The  larger  end  would  represent 
the  positive  pole,  and  the  smaller,  the  negative 
pole.  Or  perhaps  a  better  representation  of  the 
magnet  would  be  a  line  of  equal  breadth  from 
end  to  end,  but  having  the  one  end  white,  or 
slightly  tinted,  say,  with  red,  and  the  color  gradu- 
ally and  regularly  increasing  in  strength  to  the 


R 


28 


KLEOTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


other  end,  where  it  becomes  a  deep  scarlet.  Lot 
the  coloring -matter  represent  the  magnetism  in 
the  body  charged,  and  we  have  the  magnet  illus- 
trated in  its  polarization :  the  deep-red  end  is  the 
positive  pole,  and  the  white  or  faintly-colored  e" 
is  the  negative  pole. 

It  is  a  law  of  polarization  that  the  positive 
poles  of  different  magnets  repel  each  other,  and 
the  negative  poles  repel  each  other ;  while  posi- 
tive and  negative  poles  attract  each  other.  The 
same  law  of  polarization  rules  in  electric  or  mag- 
netic currents  as  in  magnets  at  rest. 

THE   ELECTRIC   CIRCUIT. 

2%e  Electric  Circuit  is  made  up  of  anything 
and  everything  which  serves  to  conduct  the  elec- 
tric current  in  its  passage — outward  and  return- 
ing— from  where  it  leaves  the  inner  surfaces  of 
the  zinc  plates  in  the  battery  cell  to  where  it 
comes  back  again  to  the  outer  surfaces  of  the 
same  plates.  When  the  conducting-cords  are  not 
attached  to  the  machine,  or  when  the  communica- 
tion between  the  cords  is  not  complete,  if  the 
machine  be  runnings  the  circuit  is  then  composed 
of  the  battery  fluid,  the  platina  plate,  the  posts, 
the  connecting-wires,   which   unite  the  battery 


w 
a{ 
is 
tr 
ti 

P< 
ti 

A 

ci 
fl 
f( 
n 
h 
n 

81 
tl 
C 

tl 
1( 
ti 


ON. 

p  scarlet.  Lot 
)  magnetism  in 
e  magnet  illus- 
p-red  end  is  the 
itly-oolored  e" 

at  the  positive 
oach  other,  and 
er;  while  posi- 
ch  other.  The 
electric  or  mag- 
}t. 

IT. 

up  of  anything 
onduct  the  elec- 
ard  and  return- 
iner  surfaces  of 
ell  to  where  it 
jurfaces  of  the 
ig-cords  are  not 
the  communica- 
omplete,  if  the 
I  then  composed 
>late,  the  posts, 
te  the  battery 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


89 


with  the  helix,  the  helical  wires,  and  their  append- 
ages for  the  vibrating  action.  But  when  a  patient 
is  under  treatment,  the  conducting-cords,  the  elec- 
trodes, and  so  much  of  the  patient's  person  as  is 
traversed  by  the  current  while  passing  from  the 
positive  electrode  through  to  the  negative  elec- 
tnode,  are  also  included  in  Jhe  whole  circuit. 
And  whatever  elements  may  serve  to  conduct  the 
current  in  any  part  of  its  circuit — be  they  metal, 
fluid,  nerve,  muscle  or  bone — the  same  are  all, 
for  the  time,  component  parts  of  one  complete 
magnet,  which,  in  all  its  parts,  is  subject  to  the 
law  of  polarization,  precisely  as  if  it  were  one 
magnetized  bar  of  steel.  Usually,  however,  it  is 
sufficient  for  practical  purposes  to  contemplate 
the  circuit  as  consisting  only  of  that  which  the 
current  passes  through  in  going  from  the  point 
where  it  leaves  the  positive  post  and  enters  into 
the  negative  cord,  around  to  the  point  where  it 
leaves  the  positive  cord  and  enters  into  the  nega- 
tive post. 

POLARIZATION   6V  THE   CIRCUIT. 

I  have  said,  in  effect,  a  little  above,  that,  while 
the  current  is  running,  the  entire  circuit  is  one 
complete  magnet,  which  extends  from  the  inner 


80 


ELECTRICAL    MEDICATION. 


or  positive  sides  of  the  zinc  plates,  whore  the 
current  commences,  all  the  way  around  to  the 
outer  or  negative  sides  of  the  zinc  plates,  to 
which  it  returns.  Viewed  in  this  light  its  nega- 
tive, polo  or  end  is  the  battery  fluid,  next  to 
the  positive  surfaces  of  the  zinc  plates,  and  its 
positive  pole  or  end  is  the  brass  clamp  which, 
holding  the  metals  together,  is  in  contact  with 
the  outer  and  negative  surfaces  of  the  zincs. 

But,  for  practical  purposes,  it  is  suflSciently 
exact  to  consider  the  magnetic  circuit  as  extend- 
ing only  from  the  pobitive  post  around  through 
the  conducting  cords,  the  electrodes  and  the  per- 
son of  the  patient  to  the  negative  post.  The 
negative  end  or  pole  of  this  magnet  is  the  wire 
end  of  the  cord  placed  in  the  positive  post,  and 
the  positive  end  or  pole  is  the  wire  end  of  the 
cord  placed  in  the  negative  post. 

But  any  magnet  may  be  viewed  either  as  one 
whole,  or  be  conceived  as  composed  of  a  succes- 
sion of  shorter  magnets  placed  end  to  end.  If 
we  view  it  as  one  entire  magnet,  wo  call  the  end 
in  which  the  magnetic  essence  is  in  greatest  quan- 
tity the  positive  end,  and  the  end  where  it  is  in 
least  quantity  the  negative  end.  But  if  we  imagine 
the  one  whole  magnet  as  being  divided  up  into 


sei 
as 
ne 
8e< 
tiv 
of 

of 
be 
Bi 
in 
th 
sh 
en 
oa 
pc 
til 


\ 


ON. 

atcs,  where  the 
around  to  the 
zinc  plates,  to 
»  light  its  nega- 
fluid,  next  to 
!  plates,  and  its 
IS  clamp  which, 
in  contact  with 
f  the  zincs, 
it  is  sufficiently 
ircuit  us  extend- 
around  through 
les  and  the  per- 
xtive  post.  The 
gnet  is  the  wire 
ositive  post,  and 
wire  end  of  the 

id  either  as  one 
}sed  of  a  succes- 
end  to  end.  If 
,  we  call  the  end 
in  greatest  quan- 
id  where  it  is  in 
Jut  if  we  imagine 
divided  up  into 


ELKCTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


81 


several  sections,  then  wo  conceive  of  each  section 
as  a  distinct  magnet,  havinji;  its  own  positive  and 
negative  poles.  And,  all  the  way  through,  these 
sectional  magnets  will  be  arranged  with  the  posi- 
tive polo  of  the  one  joined  to  the  negative  pole 
of  the  next  in  advance  of  it. 

It  is  just  so  in  respect  to  the  magnetic  circuit 
of  a  moving  current.  The  whole  circuit,  as 
before  remarked,  is  in  reality  one  long  magnet. 
But  in  applying  the  terms  positive  and  negative 
in  our  practice  we  often  view  the  whole  circuit  — 
the  one  long  magnet  —  as  composed  of  a  series  of 
shorter  ones,  arranged  with  pasitive  and  negative 
ends  in  contact;  and  all  the  way  the  current  in 
each  section  is  supposed  to  be  running  from  the 
positive  pole  of  the  magnet  behind  to  the  nega- 
tive pole  of  the  magnet  before. 

We  consider  the  circuit,  from  the  positive  post 
around  to  the  negative  post,  as  composed  of  three 
magnets,  as  follows:  Magnet  No.  1,  which 
extends  from  the  positive  post,  along  the  cord 
and  electrode,  to  tho  body  of  the  patient,  where 
the  positive  electrode  is  placed.  Tho  negative 
pole  of  this  magnet  is  the  wire  end  of  the  cord 
placed  in  the  positive  post,  and  its  positive  pole 
is  the  positive  electrode  placed  upon  the  person  of 


Td^ 


•mmmmmt  i.  wumi 


8S 


BLBOTRIOAI.    MKDICATION. 


the  patient.  No.  2,  which  is  composed  of  the 
parts  of  the  patient  traversed  by  the  current 
between  the  two  electrodes.  Its  negative  end  or 
pole  is  the  part  in  contact  with  the  positive  pole 
of  magnet  No.  1,  and  its  positive  pole  is  the  part 
in  contact  with  the  negative  pole  of  magnet  No. 
8.  No.  8  extends  from  the  positive  pole  of  No. 
2,  through  the  electrode  and  along  the  cord,  to 
the  negative  post.  Its  negative  pole  is  the  nega- 
tive electrnd4i  in  contact  with  the  positive  end  or 
pole  of  magnet  No.  2,  and  its  positive  pole  is  the 
v/ire  end  of  the  cord  in  the  negative  post. 

Since  in  every  magnet  the  magnetic  fluid  is 
supposed  to  be  regularly  graduated  from  mini- 
mum quantity  in  the  negative  end  to  maximum 
quantity  in  the  positive  end,  this  is  true  in  respect 
to  the  one  magnet,  consisting  of  the  whole  mag- 
netic circuit,  as  well  as  in  respect  to  each  one  of 
the  sectional  series.  Consequently  there  mast 
be  the  same  quantity  of  magnetism  in  each 
negative  pole  of  the  sections  as  there  is  in  the 
positive  pole  of  the  section  immediately  behind 
it.  And  the  magnetism  of  the  whole  circuit 
between  the  positivo  and  the  negative  posts  is  in 
its  least  volume  next  to  the  potitive  post,  and  in 
fullest  volume  next  to  the  negative  post.     If  we 


it 


i 


ION. 

omposod  of  the 
by  the  current 
negative  end  or 
he  positive  polo 

polo  ia  the  part 
I  of  magnet  No. 
tive  pole  of  No. 
mg  the  cord,  to 
pole  is  the  nega- 
I  positive  end  or 
sitive  pole  is  the 
ive  post. 
mgnetic  flaid  is 
ftted  from  mini- 
nd  to  maximum 
is  true  in  respect 

the  whole  mag- 
ct  to  each  one  of 
Qtly  there  mast 
^etism  in  each 
3  there  is  in  the 
nediately  behind 
je  whole  circuit 
gative  posts  is  in 
itive  post,  and  in 
tive  pogt.     If  we 


BLKOTRICAL   MBDIOATION.  Bi 

consider  the  circuit  as  divided  into  two  equal 
halves,  the  negative  half  is  plainly  that  which 
joins  the  positive  post,  and  the  positive  half  that 
which  joins  the  negative  post. 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  what  in  practice 
are  designated  as  the  positive  and  negative  posts, 
and  also  positive  and  negative  poles  or  electrodes 
are  not  such  in  relation  to  each  other,  but  the 
reverse  of  it;  that  is  to  say,  the  positive  post  is 
not  positive  in  relation  to  the  negative  post,  but  is 
negative  to  it ;  and  the  positive  electrode  or  pole 
is  not  positive  in  relation  to  the  negative  elec- 
trode, but  negative  to  it.     The  positive  post,  like 
the  positive  electrode,  is  called  positive,  because  it 
is  the  positive  end  of  the  sectional  magnet  next 
behind  it.      And  the  negative  post,  as  also  the 
negative  electrode,  is  called  negative  because  it  ia 
the  negative  end  of  the  sectional  magnet  next  in 
advance  of  it. 

T2S  CENTRAL   POINT  OF  THE  CIRCUIT. 

The  central  point  of  the  circuit — that  point 
which  divides  between  its  positive  and  negative 
halves — is  reckoned,  in  practice,  to  be  the  midway 
point  in  the  line  over  which  the  current  passes,  in 
its  whole  cc  arse  from  the  positive  post  around  to 


ttmmm 


84 


ELEOTRIUAL   MEDICATION. 


the  negative  post.  When  the  cords  are  of  c(iual 
length,  this  point  will  always  be  in  the  person  of 
the  patient,  about  midway  between  the  parts 
where  the  two  electrodes  are  applied.  This 
central  point,  or  "point  of  centrality,"  is  practi- 
cnlly  neuter — neither  positive  ilor  negative;  and 
upon  the  two  opposite  halves  of  the  circuit,  the 
positive  and  ncgativo  qualities  of  the  current  are 
in  greatest  force  nearest  to  the  posts,  and  in 
least  force  nearest  to  the  central  point.  At  this 
point  they  cease  altogether,  and  the  central  point 
is  neuter. 

It  may,  perhaps,  be  observed  that,  in  apparent 
contradiction  of  this  statement,  the  sensational 
effect  of  the  current  on  the  negative  half  of 
the  circuit  is  least  nearest  to  the  positive  post, 
and  becomes  regularly  greater  as  the  current 
advances  towards  the  central  point;  and  that  at 
this  point  it  is  greater  than  at  any  other  point 
between  this  and  the  positive  post.  To  relieve 
this  seeming  contradiction,  it  is  o.  ..^  necessary  to 
consider  that,  in  fact,  the  positive  state  on  the 
negative  half  of  the  current  does  increase  regu- 
larly from  the  positive  post  to  the  central  point. 
But  that  which  is  the  increase  of  the  positive 
state  is  the  decrease  of  the  negative  state.     So 


it  i 
cir( 
ad) 
po? 
lar 


wh 
cur 
tiv( 
wh 
ele 
the 
wh 
for 
rea 
wa; 
rea 
poi 
the 
anc 
eac 
poi 
ne^ 


s      ^    - 


ION. 

'(Is  are  of  cc^ual 
in  the  person  of 
voon  the  parts 
applied.  This 
ility,"  is  practi- 
r  negative;  and 
the  circuit,  the 
the  current  are 
I  posts,  and  in 
point.  At  this 
ho  central  point 

lat,  in  apparent 
the  sensational 
egativo  half  of 
0  positive  post, 
as  the  current 
nt;  and  that  at 
nny  other  point 
)st.  To  relieve 
ij  necessary  to 
ve  state  on  the 
r  increase  regu- 
9  central  point, 
of  the  positive 
ative  state.     So 


ELEOTRIOAL   MEDICATION. 


95 


it  is  still  true  that  on  the  negative  half  of  the 
circuit,  the  negati  e  qualities  diminish  as  we 
advance  towards  the  central  point  just  as  on  the 
positive  iiiilf,  the  positive  nualities  diminish  regu- 
larly towards  the  central  point,  as  &^ted  above. 

THE   CURRENT. 

The  current  is  that  moving  electric  essence 
which  traverses  the  circuit.  The  course  of  the 
current  is  always  from  the  positive  to  the  nega- 
tive. It  leaves  the  machine  at  the  positive  post, 
where  it  enters  the  cord  which  holds  the  positive 
electrode  or  pole.  Thence  it  advances  around 
the  circuit,  going  out  from  the  opposite  cord 
where  that  connectis  with  the  negative  post.  The 
forward  end  of  the  current  is  its  positive  end  ;  the 
rear,  of  course,  is  its  negative  end.  At  its  for- 
ward end  it  is  in  its  greatest  volume.  At  its 
rear  end  the  volume  is  least.  At  the  central 
point  of  its  circuit  there  is  the  mean  quantity — 
the  average  volume.  And  because  the  positive 
and  negative  forces  on  either  side  exactly  balance 
each  other  upon  the  central  point,  therefore  this 
point  is  practically  neuter — neither  positive  nor 
negative. 


tmmm 


Eaaaas 


Id 


36 


KLECTHICAL   MEDICATION. 


il! 


MODIFICATIONS   OF    ELECTRICITY. 

In  the  present  stage  of  electric  science,  the 
conviction  has  become  very  general  among  exper- 
imenters that  galvanism,  magnetism,  faradaism, 
frictioniJ  electricity  and  the  electricity  of  the 
storui-cloud  are,  in  their  essential  nature,  one 
and  the  same ;  being  diversified  in  appearance 
and  effects  by  the  different  modes  and  circum- 
stances of  their  development.  This  conviction 
has  beer,  reached  in  various  v/ays ;  but  chiefly, 
perhaps,  by  observing  the  manv  analogies 
between  the  phenomena  of  these  several  forces, 
and  also  by  the  fact  that  each  of  them  can  be 
made  to  produce  or  be  produced  by  one  or  more 
of  the  others.  But  I  must  forego  any  detailed 
discussion  of  this  matter,  since  my  limits  will 
not  admit  of  it,  and  shall  assume  that  these 
apparently  several  agents  are  but  modifications 
of  the  same  generic  force. 

There  are  two  other  phases  id  modifications  of 
the  electric  principle,  as  I  judge  thom  to  be, 
which  are  not  so  generally  classed  here.  I  refer 
to  the  forces  of  animal  and  vegetable  vitality,  as 
viewed  in  the  next  section. 


l\l 


m 


3ATI0N. 


ECTRICITY. 


ectric  science,  the 
neral  among  exper- 
;netisin,  faradaism, 

electricity  of  the 
ential  nature,  one 
Sod  in  appearance 
nodes  and  circuin- 
This  conviction 
\mys ;  but  chiefly, 
many  analogies 
ese  several  forces, 
;h  of  them  can  be 
?:1  by  one  or  more 
jrego  any  detailed 
CO  my  limits  Avill 
ussume    that   these 

but  modifications 

01  modifications  of 
udge  them  to  be, 
ised  here.  I  refer 
getable  vitality,  as 


7 


ELVCIRIOAL  MEDICATION.  (7 

VITAL  FORCES  —  ANIMAL  AND  VBOBTABLB. 

Upon  these  points  I  mrst  be  permitted  to  offer 
a  few  words. 

Of  the  animal  kingdom,  I  regard  the  "nervous 
fluid"  or  "nervous  influence,"  popularly  so 
called,  as  being  the  very  principle  of  animal 
vitalization — the  life  force;  and  that,  a  modifi- 
cation of  the  electric  force.  It  is,  I  think, 
pretty  generally  conceded  at  this  day  that  the 
"nervous  influence"  is  probably  electric.  There 
are  some  alleged  facts,  and  other  certain  facts, 
which  go  far  to  sustain  this  view.  It  is  said  that 
if  we  transfix,  with  a  steel  needle,  a  large  nerve 
of  a  living  animal,  as  the  great  ischihtic,  and  let 
it  remain  in  that  condition  a  suitable  time,  the 
needlo  becomes  permanently  magnetized.  So, 
too,  if  the  point  of  a  lancet  be  held  ?or  some 
length  of  time  betj^een  the  severed  ends  of  a 
newly-divided  large  nerve,  that  point,  as  I  have 
heard  it  affirmed,  on  what  appeared  to  be  good 
authority,  becomes  magnetized ;  although  I  have 
not  attempted  to  verify  either  of  these  cases  by 
experiment.  However,  admitting  them  to  be 
true,  the  metal  is  charged  with  simply  the  "ner- 
vous fluid."  But  the  fact  on  which  I  myself 
3 


mmmsm 


ilH     I 


•"II 


88 


BLBOTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


chiefly  rely  for  evidence  oi'  this  identification, 
being  almost  daily  conversant  with  it  in  my  prac- 
tice, is  this:     The  *^nervou»  influence"  obeys  the 
law$  of  electrical  polarization,   attraction   and 
repulsion.    When  I  treat  a  paralyzed  part,  in 
which,  to  all  appearance,  the  action  of  the  nerve 
force  is  suspended,  I  have  but  to  assume  that 
this  force  is  electric  and  apply  the  poles  of  my 
instrument  accordingly,  and  I  bring  it  in  from 
the  more  healthy  parts,  along  with  the  inorganic 
current  from  my  machine.    Forcing  conduction 
through  the  nerves,  by  means  of  my  artificial 
apparatus,  I  rouse  the  susceptibiUty  of  the  nerves 
until  they  will  normally  conduct  the  "nervous 
influence"  or  electro-vital  fluid,  as  I  term  it,  and 
the  paralysis  is  removed.    Again,  if  I  treat  an 
inflamed    part,    in    which    the    capillaries    are 
engorged  with  arterial  blood,  I   have  but    to 
assume  that  the  aflfected  part  is  over-charged 
with  the  electro-vital  fluid,  through  the  nerves 
and  the  arterial  blood,  and  so  to  apply  my  elec- 
trodes, according  to  well  known  electrical  law,  as 
to  produce  mutual  repulsion,  and  the  inflamma- 
tory action  is  sure  to  be  repressed.     I  manifestly 
change  the  polarisation  of  the  parts.    This  thing 
is  so  perfectly  regular  and  constant  that  I  am 


ION. 

IB  identification, 
;h  it  in  my  prac- 
uence"  obeys  the 

attraction   and 

alyzed  part,  in 

ion  of  the  nerve 

to  assume  that 

the  poles  of  my 

bring  it  in  from 

ith  the  inorganic 

rcing  conduction 

of  my  artificial 

lity  of  the  nerves 

,ct  the  "nervous 

as  I  term  it,  and 

tin,  if  I  treat  an 

capillaries  are 
I  have  but  to 
,  is  over-charged 
rough  the  nerves 
to  apply  my  elec- 
i  electrical  law,  as 
nd  the  inflamma- 
led.  I  manifestly 
>arts.  This  thing 
nstant  that  I  am 


BLSOTRIOAL  IIBDIOATION.  89 

entirely  assured,   before  touching    the   patient, 
what  sort  of  effect  will  be  produced  by  this  or 
that  arrangement  in  the  application  of  the  poles 
of  the  instrument.     If  I  desire  to  increase  or 
depress  the  nervous  force  in  any  given  case,  I 
find  myself  able,  on  this  principle,  to  produce 
the  one  effect  or  the  other,  at  will.    Hence,  I 
■ay,  the  nervous  influence  obeys  the  electric  laws, 
just  as  does  the   inorganic  electricity.     I  find 
this  subtle  agent  not  in  the  nerves  only,  but  also 
in  muscle  and  blood — more  especially  in  arterial 
blood.     Indeed  it  seems  to  pervade,  more  or  less, 
the  entire  solids  and  fluids  of  the  animal  system. 
And  wherever  it  exists,  its  action  is  just  that  of 
an  electro-vital  force.     Examples  of  this  fact  will 
appear  further  along  in  the  present  work.    While, 
therefore,  I  cannot  affirm  the  identity  of  animal 
electricity  and   animal   vitality,   the  theory  of 
their   identification,   to   my  view,   best   accords 
with  the  manifestations  under  correct  therapeutic 
treatment,  and  I  am  unaware  of  any  established 
fact  to  disprove  it. 

Vegetable  vitalitjfy  also,  I  regard  as  another 
modification  of  the  electric  force.  The  fact  has 
been  proved  by  repeated  experiments,  that  cal- 
vanic  currents,  passed  among  the  roots  of  vegeta- 


m 


-*fr^<«wMMMi 


i 


i! 


Wf 


W 

i 


i'>      i      I 


I     ! 


iO 


ELBOTRIOAL  UKDIOATIOK. 


bles,  causes  a  quickened  development  of  ♦he 
plants  to  a  degree  that  would  be  deemed  incredi- 
ble by  almost  any  one  who  had  neither  seen  it  nor 
learned  its  ratiorude.  I  have  seen  it  stated,  on 
authority  which  commanded  my  credeno-^,  that 
by  this  process  lettuce  leaves  may  be  grown, 
within  a  few  hours  only,  "from  the  size  of  a 
mouse's  ear  to  dimensions  large  enough  for  '•on- 
venient  use  on  the  dinner-table." 

The  following  experiment  has  been  related  to 
me  by  several  different  parties,  as  having  been 
made  by  Judge  Oaton,  of  Ottawa,  lUinois;  and 
subsequently  the  same  has  been  confirmed  to  me 
by  his  brother,  Deacon  Wm.  P.  Caton,  of  Plain- 
field,  lUinois.     It  is  said  that  the  Judge  had  some 
interesting    wergreen$   which    appeared    to    be 
affected  by  an  unhealthy  influence,   causing  a 
suspension  of  growth  and  withering  of  branches 
here  and  there,  until  such  branches  died.    So 
the  process  went  on,  terminating  after  a  little 
time  in  the  death  of  the  trees.    In  this  way  he 
had  lost  some  valuable  specimens.    At  length  a 
very  fine  and  favorite  evergreen  was  similarly 
attacked.     He  felt,  of  course,  annoyed  by  the 
destructive  process,  and  especially  reluctant  to 
lose  this  particular  tree.    Probably  calling  to  his 


H     I 


TIOK. 

elopment  of  *'he 
e  deemed  incredi- 
leither  seen  it  nor 
seen  it  stated,  on 
\j  oredenC'^,  that 
may  be  grown, 
)m  the  size  of  a 
)  eno'Jgh  for  ''on- 

s  been  related  to 
s,  as  having  been 
iwa,  Illinois;  and 
I  confirmed  to  me 
.  Caton,  of  Plain- 
\e  Judge  had  some 
appeared    to    be 
iuence,   causing  a 
lering  of  branches 
ranches  died.    So 
ting  after  a  little 
.    In  this  way  he 
ens.    At  length  a 
een  was  similarly 
I,  annoyed  by  the 
Dially  relactant  to 
>ably  calling  to  his 


VLBOTHIOAL  HKDIOATION. 


41 


recollection  something  analogous  to  what  I  have 
referred  to  above,  he  resolved  to  try  the  efficacy 
of  galvanism  to  reinforce  the  vitality  of  the 
shrub.  Having  a  telegraphic  wire  extending 
from  the  main  line  in  Ottawa  to  his  own  resi- 
dence, he  availed  himself  of  this  facility,  and 
caused  a  wire  to  be  passed  among  the  roots  of 
t>'i8  tree  in  such  a  way  as  to  bring  the  galvanic 
current  to  act  upon  them.  It  was  not  long 
before  he  saw,  to  his  delight,  a  new  set  of  foliage 
starting  from  the  twigs,  and  after  a  little  time 
the  tree  was  again  flourishing  in  all  its  beauty. 
The  electric  current  had  evidently  imparted  to  it 
a  fresh  vitality. 

To  insure  the  success  of  such  an  experiment, 
a  proper  regard  to  polarization  must  be  had,  such 
as  is  taught  in  the  system  presented  in  this  book. 
There  may  not  have  been  any  attention  to  this 
matter  in  the  case  just  related;  but  if  not,  the 
Judge  must  have  ttumbled  nf on  the  correct  appli- 
cation of  poles.  To  have  brought  the  roots  under 
the  influence  of  the  wrong  pole  would  have  made 
sure  the  death  of  his  tree. 

Now,  although,  if  taken  by  themselves,  such 
experiments  could  not  be  regarded  as  aonclu$ive 
in  favor  of  the  electric  nature  of  vegetable  vitality, 


mum 


42 


BLEOTRIOAL   MBDIOATION. 


I    '! 


^^^     i 


It       !    I 


notwithstanding  that  this  theory  best  explains 
the  phenomena ;  yet,  when  considered  in  connec- 
tion with  the  fact  that  the  nervous  fluid  of  the 
animal  kingdom  is  evidently  a  modification  of 
electricity,  and  probably  constitutes  the  vital 
force  of  the  animal,  the  theory  of  its  identifica- 
tion, under  another  modification,  with  the  vital 
principle  in  the  vegetable  kingdom  also,  as  de- 
duced from  experiments  like  those  just  adverted 
to,  receives  strong  confirmation,  and  is  now,  I 
believe,  being  adopted  by  many  of  the  best  phi- 
losophers of  the  age.      , 

EXTENT   OP  ELECTRIC   AGENCY. 

When  we  have  settled  upon  the  position  that 
the  electricity  of  the  heavens  and  of  the  artificial 
machine  are  identical,  and  that  their  identity  is 
essentially  one  with  galvanism,  magnetism,  the 
electro-vital  fluid  of  animal  and  the  life-force  of 
the  vegetable  kingdoms,  it  requires  no  extrava- 
gant imagination,  nor  remarkable  degree  of  en- 
thusiastic credulity,  to  suppose  that  all  the  forms 
of  physical  attraction  and  repulsion  are  due, 
under  God,  to  the  diversified  modifications  of  the 
same  all -pervading  agent — Electricity.  In- 
deed, for  myself,  I  feel  no  hesitation  in  express- 


1 1 


H  '.  I. 


ITION. 


KLECTRIOAL   MEDICATION. 


48 


oTj  best  explains 
sidered  in  conneo- 
rvouB  fluid  of  the 
a  modification  of 
istitutes  the  vital 
J  of  its  identifica- 
on,  vith  the  vital 
gdom  also,  as  de- 
hose  just  adverted 
on,  and  is  now,  I 
J  of  the  best  phi- 


AGBNCY. 

I  the  position  that 
ind  of  the  artificial 
at  their  identity  is 
n,  magnetism,  the 
id  the  life-force  of 
;|uire8  no  estrava- 
able  degree  of  en- 
!  that  all  the  forms 
'epulsion  are  due, 
aodifications  of  the 
Electricity.  In- 
sitation  in  express- 


ing it  as  my  belief  that  electricity,  in  one  phase 
or  another,  and  controlled  only  by  will,  is  the 
grand  motive-power  of  tYj  universe.  I  believe 
that,  in  the  form  of  electro-vital  fluid,  the  great 
Creator  employs  it  as  His  immediate  agent  to 
carry  on  all  the  functions  of  animal  life;  and 
that,  in  respect  to  voluntary  functions.  He  sub- 
ordinates it  as  a  servant  to  the  will  of  the  crea- 
ture, to  efiect  such  cerebral  action  and  such 
muscular  contractions  as  are  demanded  by  the 
creature's  volitions.  I  am  disposed  to  think  that, 
by  the  omnipotent  power  of  His  will,  He  controls 
and  uses  electricity,  in  its  various  modifications,  as 
the  immediate  moving-force  by  which  He  accom- 
plishes all  the  changes  in  the  physical  universe. 
It  is  fast  becoming  a  generally-received  opinion 
among  modern  aavans,  that  every  body  in  nature 
is  really  magnetic,  more  or  less;  and  that  all 
visible  or  sensible  changes  are  but  the  result  of 
changing  poles.  Chemical  affinities  and  revul- 
sions are  believed  to  be  only  the  more  delicate 
forms  of  electrical  attraction  and  repulsion ;  the 
ultimate  particles  of  matter,  no  less  than  matter 
in  masses,  being  subject  to  the  control  of  electri- 
cal laws.  The  imponderable  agents,  light  and 
caloric,  under  the  ingenious  tests  of  scientific 


'    I 


44 


BLBCTRIOAL  MBDIOATIOR. 


i    I 


1-5     , 


Borutinj,    are    beginning   to    gire    some   verj 
decided  indications  of  being  simply  electric  phe- 
nomena.    Indeed,  the  doctrine  or  theory  that 
supposes  ealoric  to  be  simply  atomie  motion  is 
even  now  being  very  generally  accepted  by  the 
scientific  world.    And  that  motion  in  the  atoms 
of  a  body  which  causes  in  us  the  sensation  of  heat 
is  probably  electric  motion.    And  permit  me  to 
obserye  that,  though  the  operations  of  nature 
seem,  at  first  thought,  to  be  wonderfully  complex 
and  mysterious,  yet  if  the  views  here  presented 
be  correct,  the  marvel  is  changed;   and  we  are 
brought  to  a  profound  admiration  of  the  tim- 
pUeity  of  the  means   by  which   the  Almighty 
conducts    His    material    operations.      A   tingle 
agent  made  to  perform  processes  so  infinitely 
numerous,  diversified  and  apparently  complex! 
How  amazing !    Simplicity  in  complexity ! — ma- 
jestic, like  the  mind  of  God. 

THBORV  OF  MAW. 

Let  the  question  now  be  raised— FXaf  w  man  t 
The  answer  will  have  much  to  do  with  the  reme- 
dial system  which  I  aim  to  teach.  For  this  reason 
it  is  thus  early  introduced. 

My  answer  to  the  above  question  is  as  follows: 


t 
t 
a 
a 

E 

i 
t 

•VI 
0 

e 
i< 

Y 

ii 
g 

e 


lTIOW. 

give  some  very 
nply  electric  phe- 
9  or  theory  that 
atotnie  motion  is 
accepted  by  the 
iion  in  the  atoms 
sensation  of  heat 
nd  permit  me  to 
ations  of  natnre 
tderfully  complex 
s  here  presented 
;ed;  and  we  are 
iion  of  the  $im- 


the  Almighty 
ions.  A  riTigle 
ises  so  infinitely 
krently  complex! 
)mplexity! — ma- 


—  What  it  man  f 

0  with  the  reme- 

For  this  reason 

on  is  as  follows: 


BliBCTRIOAL   IfKDIOATION. 


45 


Man  it  a  threefold  being,  eompoted  of  a  body 
material,  a  body  electrical,  and  a  ipirit  rational 
and  indettruetible. 

Let  the  elements  of  this  definition  be  a  little 
amplified:  r  , 

1.     The  material  body.     This  is  composed  of 
various  metals,  earths,  carbon,  phosphorus,  and 
gases.     I  need  not  go  into  a  representation  of 
their  multiplied  and  curious  combinations  to  form 
the  many  parts  of  the  body  complete.     But  these 
are  the  ultimate  elements;   and  a  most  superb 
and  wonderful  structure  they  here  compose.   Tet, 
notwithstanding  all  the  manifest  skillfulness  of 
its  contrivance,  and  the  power  of  its  accomplish- 
ment, and  the  nioeness  and  beauty  of  its  execu- 
tion, it  were  a  useless  display  if  unaccompanied 
with  the  invisible  agents  which  compose  the  two 
other  grand  constituents  of  man,  to  wit:  the  body 
electrical  and  thq  spirit,  or  mind.     Without  these, 
it  would  quickly  fall  into  decay,  as  we  see  it 
v.hen  deprived  of  them,  and  would  be  resolved 
into  its  original   elements   again.     But  to  our 
gross  material  bodies  the  Creator  has  added, 

2.     The  body  electrical.     By  this,  I  mean  that 
which  has  commonly  been  termed  "nervous  influ- 
ence," "nervous  fluid,"  "nervo-vital  fluid,"  and 
*3 


46 


BLBOTRIOAL   MBOIOATION. 


I     f 


"  nervo  -  electric  fluid."  I  object,  however,  to 
each  and  all  of  these  designations.  They  are 
too  restricted  and  specific.  They  all  seem  to 
imply  t,hat  it  is  an  agent  or  influence  which  apper- 
tains especially  to  the  nervou$  system ;  whereas 
the  entire  organism  is  under  its  pervading  force.' 
I  do  not  doubt  but  its  chief  action  is  in  and 
through  the  nervous  system ;  but  it  also  pervades 
and,  as  I  think,  vitalizes  the  whole  body.  The 
nervous  system  seems  to  be  created  as  one  prin- 
cipal means  for  its  replenishment,"'  and  to  serve 
as  the  medium  of  its  ministrations  to  the  body  at 
large.  I  choose  to  term  it  electro-vital  fluid,  or 
electro-vitality.  My  reasons  for  so  designating  it 
are  the  following:  (1)  It  is  demonstrably  elec- 
trical in  its  nature.  (2)  It  appears  to  be  identi- 
fied, or  at  least  connected  immediately,  with  the 
the  vitalization  of  the  body.  (8)  I  wish,  by  its 
name,  to  distinguish  it  from  mental  vitality,  or 
the  vitality  of  Bpirit.  Whether,  as  a  peculiar 
munifestation  of  the  electric  principle,  it  vitalizes 
by  its  own  nature  and  action  solely,  or  whether 


*  The  proctit  of  this  will  probably  bo  explained  if  an- 
other edition  should  bo  called  for.  It  is  given  in  one  of  the 
author's  Claas  Lectures. 


'»     tj 


OATION. 

»bject,    however,   to 
nations.     Thoj  are 

They  all  seem  to 
luenoe  which  apper- 
M  system ;  whereas 
its  pervading  force.' 
f  action  is  in  and 
but  it  also  pervades 
I  whole  body.  The 
reated  as  one  prin- 
ncnt,"'  and  to  serve 
tions  to  the  body  at 
lectro-vital  fluid,  or 
or  so  designating  it 
demonstrably  clec- 
ppears  to  be  identi- 
mediately,  with  the 

(8)  I  wish,  by  its 

mental  vitality,  or 

ther,  as  a  peculiar 

trincinle,  it  vitaUzes 

1  solely,  or  whether 

}ly  bo  explained  if  an- 
[l  is  gtren  in  one  of  the 


IlEOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


47 


it  be  charged  with  another  mysterious  element — 
a  life -force — and  vitalizes  by  ministering  the 
latter  to  the  material  organism,  I  will  not  posi- 
tively affirm.  Whichever  it  he,  the  name  I 
assign  to  it  seems  sufficiently  appropriate.  But 
I  strongly  incline  to  the  theory  that  this  elec- 
tro-vital principle  does  itself,  by  virtue  of  its 
own  nature,  vitalize  the  system.  In  other  words, 
I  am  disposed  to  think  that  God  makes  it  the 
immediate  agent  of  vitalization ;  having  consti- 
tuted it  the  vi»  vitce  of  both  the  animal  and  the 
vegetable  kingdoms.  Nor  does  this  idea,  as  I 
conceive,  necessarily  conflict  at  all  with  the  doc- 
trine of  cell-life,  as  maintained  by  the  best  physi- 
ologists of  the  present  day.  I  also  sometimes 
stylo  this  electro-vital  element  the  body  electrical, 
because  it  is  certainly  an  entity,  coextensive 
with  and,  in  greater  or  less  force,  wholly  pervad- 
ing the  visible,  material  body. 

At  this  point  I  will  take  the  liberty  to  intro- 
duce, although  somewhat  digressively,  a  few 
thoughts  on  the  distinctions  of  vitality  or 

LIFB. 

There  are,  as  I  suppose,  the  following  several 
kinds  of  life:  (1)  Spirit  Itfe;  (2)  Moral  life; 
(3)  Electric  life. 


48 


ELKCTRICAL    MKDICATION. 


(!•)  There  is  tpirit  life.  And  hero  are  to  be 
made  aoveral  Bubdivisions. 

[1.]  Uncreated  gpirit  life.  This  in  the  life  of 
God.  Of  the  nature  of  the  Divine  Essence  wo 
know  nothing;  yet  that  God  is  a  real,  living 
entity,  we  do  kc  w.  My  own  conviction  is  that 
the  divine  esse'ico  and  the  divine  life  are  iden- 
tical; that  God,  a  spirit,  is  necessary,  infinite, 
conscious  Vitality — the  voluntary  Originator 
of  all  existencies  besides  himself.  But  as  to 
what  is  the  essential  nature  of  this  vitality  — 
this  eternal  spirit-life — we  can  have  no  concep- 
tion, only  that  this  life  is  God. 

[2.]  Created  spirit-life.  And  here  we  make 
another  subdivision. 

(a)  The  life  of  created  immortal  spirit.  This 
is  a  rational,  intelligent  entity,  representing  the 
spirit  of  man  and  of  unembodied,  created  intelli- 
gences above  him.  This  spirit  God  created  as  it 
pleased  him  —  "in  his  own  likeness" — a  living, 
indestructible  essence;  and,  as  I  suppose,  its 
essence  and  its  life  the  same. 

(b)  The  life  of  created  mortal  spirit,  as  the 
spirit  of  the  beasi.  Of  the  intrinsic  essence  of 
this  spirit,  we  are  also  necessarily  ignorant.  Yet, 
of  its  attributes  we  know  that,  it  has  comciout- 


;;p!»^-^4t' 


mam 


ATION. 

Ind  hero  arc  to  be 

This  in  the  life  of 
)ivine  Essence  wo 
1  ia  ft  real,  living 

conviction  is  that 
vine  life  are  iden- 
aecessary,  infinite, 
untary  Originator 
mself.  But  as  to 
of  this  vitality  — 
n  have  no  concep- 

Lnd  here  we  make 

tortal  spirit.  This 
r,  representing  the 
ied,  created  intelli- 
t  God  created  as  it 
leness"  —  a  living, 
as   I   suppose,    its 

ertal  spirit,  as  the 
ntrinsic  essence  of 
ily  ignorant.  Yet, 
t,  it  has  eontciout- 


■LBOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


40 


n«M,  tentihility  and  will.  Of  its  life  we  know  ai 
little  as  of  its  esHence;  both  of  which,  however, 
as  I  conjecture,  are  also  one  and  the  same — the 
spirit  substance  being  itself  essentially  vital. 

(2.)  We  pa«s  next  to  moral  life.  This  life  is 
identical  with  hol%ne$» — the  very  opposite  of 
that  defilement  that  characterizes  moral  death, 
which  fs  a  state  of  tin.  But  let  mo  again  subdivide. 

[1.]  As  to  the  moval  life  of  Ood,  it  consists 
in  his  infinite  moral  purity — his  veraeiti/,  Jiutice 
and  benevolence  or  love — qualities  which,  in  their 
combination  make  up  his  holinoss. 

[2.]  The  moral  life  of  man,  at  altc  of  other 
rational  ereaturet.  This  consists  in  his  sympcUhy 
of  tpirit  with  Ood  in  respect  to  those  pure  quali- 
ties which  constitute  the  Divine  holiness. 

(8.)  Finally,  there  is  eleetrie  or  phytical  l\fe. 
But  here  again  there  are  varieties. 

[1.]  There  is  animal  life,  as  of  man  and  the 
lower  animals.  This  I  have  already  represented 
as  consisting  in  the  electro-vital  force. 

[2.]  Vegetable  life.  This  is  another  modifi- 
cation of  the  same  essential  principle — electro- 
vitality. 

But  now,  to  return  to  the  phytical  or  animal 
i^e  of  man — the  electro- vital  element.     While 


fir^ 


mm 


m 


60 


ELBCTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


this  is  in  such  immedialc  relation  to  the  visible 
body  on  the  one  hand,  it  holds,  also,  on  the 
other  hand,  an  immediate  relation  to  the  mental 
part,  both  of  man  and  of  the  other  animated 
beings  of  earth.  It  serves  to  transmit,  through 
the  nervous  system  to  the  mind,  all  scncations  ' 
and  impressions  from  the  outer  world.  It,  more- 
over, rece'Ves  from  the  mind  the  action  of  its 
volitions  \.  nd  imaginary  conceptions,  and  conveys 
through  the  nerves  the  impressions  or  impulsions 
thus  obtained  to  the  various  parts  of  the  body, 
and  there  secures  the  fulfiUm'^nt  of  the  mind's 
behests.  It  appears  to  be  only  in  this  way  that 
communication  is  had  between  the  mind  apd  its 
outer  body.  The  natures  of  spirit  and  of  gross 
matter  are  so  totally  unlike,  that  it  seems  .  mprac- 
ticable  for  the  mind  and  b;  dy  to  come  into  imme- 
diate mutual  relation,  or  to  act  reciprocally,  with- 
out the  aid  of  a  medium — etherial,  semi-material 
and  semi-spiritual,  such  as  is  the  electro-vital 
fluid.  And  the  Creator  has  accordingly  provided 
this  mysterious,  invisible  medium  between  the 
two,  and  thus,  in  a  degree,  extended  man's  like- 
ness to  himself  by  making  him  a  trinity  in  unity. 
3.  The  mind  or  spirit.  This  is  immeasura- 
bly the  highest  and  most  important  constituent 


DICATION. 

elation  to  the  visible 

holds,  also,  on  the 
'elation  to  the  mental 

the  other  animated 
to  transmit,  through 

mind,  all  scncations  ' 
iter  world.  It,  more- 
nd  the  action  of  its 
ceptions,  and  conveys 
ressions  or  impulsions 
IS  parts  of  the  body, 
Um^nt  of  the  mind's 
only  in  this  way  that 
een  the  mind  ard  its 
of  spirit  and  of  gross 
,  that  it  seems  .  mprac- 
iy  to  come  into  imme- 
act  reciprocally,  with- 
etherial,  semi-material 
s  is  the  electro-vital 
i  accordingly  provided 
medium   between   the 

extended  man's  like- 

him  a  trinity  in  unity. 

.     This  is  immeasura- 

important  constituent 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


61 


of  man.  His  body  material  may  fall  back  to 
dust.  His  body  electrical  may  be  reabsorbed  in 
the  great  ocean  of  natural  electricity  that  fills 
the  earth  and  the  heavens.  But  his  mind  is 
immortal.  His  spirit,  made  in  the  divine  image, 
lives  and  acts,  thinks  and  feels,  independently  of 
every  other  existence  save  Him  from  whom  its 
being  came.  While  in  connection  with  its  visible 
body,  its  good  or  ill,  its  bliss  or  woe,  has,  indeed, 
much  to  do  with  its  bodily  state.  But,  when 
separated  from  this  body,  its  high  and  more  inde- 
pendent existence  is  at  once  asserted :  and  then 
its  good  or  ill  are  determined  by  its  Author  onlj 
in  accordance  with  the  workings  and  aflFections 
within  itself.  A  spiriiual  and  indestructible 
being  like  its  Creator,  ii,  can  never  cease  to  be 
while  he  exists. 

But  our  present  concern  is  with  the  mind  in 
its  relation  to  that  electro-vital  medium  between 
it  and  the  body,  and  to  the  body  itself.  The 
mind's  influence  upon  both  of  these  lower  parts 
of  the  entire  man  is  truly  worderful,  although 
perceptible  mostly  on  the  material  body.-  Few 
persons  are  aware  how  much  the  state  of  the 
mind  aflFects  the  bodily  health,  although  the 
degree  is  often  very  great.     Yet  this  is  done  by 


52 


BLECTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


the  mind's  action,  first  oa  the  electro-vital  func- 
tions, and  through  these,  by  way  cf  the  nerves, 
upon  the  bodily  tissue.     Changes  in  the  mental 
cates  will,  in  this  way,  frequently  produce  changed 
polarization    in  the   physical   organs,  and  thus 
determine  infallibly  the  matter  of  health  or  dis-  - 
ease.     So,  too,  the  condition  of  the  bodily  health 
will  often  determine  irresistibly  the  mental  state. 
Whatever  bodily  changes  aflfect  the  polarization 
of  the  electro-vital  medium  in  any  part  of  the  or- 
ganism, do  thereby  produce  corresponding  changes 
in  the  mind. 

These  views  of  the  reciprocal  action  between 
mind  and  body,  through  the  medium  of  the  electro- 
vital  element,  may  serve  to  f  iplain  those  psycho- 
logical wonders  exhibited  in  tho  cure  of  diseases 
by  the  imagination,  as  well  as  in  diseases  and 
even  death  induced  by  the  imagination.     I  would 
much  like  to  unfold  and  illustrate  this  bearing  of 
the  subject;  and,  also,  in  the  light  of  it,  to  show 
the  philosophy  of  one  mind  acting  intelligibly  on 
another  mind,  with,  and  even  without,  the  aid  of 
the  physical  organs,  as  is  sometimes  seen  in  the 
facts  of  mesmerism.     This  I  have  done  in  my 
written  lectures,  for  the  instruction  of  classes; 
but  my  limits  will  not  admit  of  it  here. 


3ATI0N. 

electro-vital  func- 
way  cf  the  nerves, 
(iges  in  the  mental 
tly  produce  changed 

organs,  and  thus 
81  of  health  or  dis- ' 
)f  the  bodily  health 
ly  the  mental  state. 
BCt  the  polarisation 
1  any  part  of  the  or- 
rreaponding  changes 

ocal  action  between 
edium  of  the  electro- 
xplain  those  paycho- 
tho  cure  of  diseases 
as  in  diseases  and 
lagination.     I  would 
jtrate  this  bearing  of 
B  light  of  it,  to  show 
acting  intelligibly  on 
n  without,  the  aid  of 
ametiroes  seen  in  the 
I  have  done  in  my 
struction  of  classes; 
of  it  here. 


BLBCTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


68 


There  is  another  thought  which  I  will  offer  ia 
this  connection.  I  maintain  that  all  functional 
action  of  onr  bodily  organism,  ab  tntWo,  is  con- 
ducted by  thinking  mmd,  through  the  medium 
of  organic  electricity  or  the  electro-vital  fluid. 
Every  organ  as  a  whole,  and  every  life-cell  in 
detail,  is  charged  with  this  active  principle.  I 
believe  that  every  one  of  them  is  controlled  and 
guided  incessantly  in  its  propogating,  organizing 
and  entire  functional  force  by  intell^ent  mtni, 
acting  through  this  wonder-working  agent — the 
dectro-vital  fluid.  In  respect  to  our  voluntaiy 
exercises,  this  organic  electrical  force  is  made 
subject  to  onr  own  mental  activities,  and  exe- 
cutes its  office  upon  the  bodily  organism  mainly 
through  the  medium  of  the  nerves.  But,  as 
regards  all  the  involuntftrtf  functions,  I  believe 
that  control  is  exercised  directly  by  the  omnis- 
cient ard  all-pervading  God,  although  in  accord- 
ance with  his  own  established  laws. 

Once  more  of  the  mind  let  me  remark,  that 
conseiotuneaa,  »en$ationi  and  wUl  belong  to  it 
alone.  The  bodjf  never  thinks  nor  feels;  nor 
does  the  organic  electricity  within  it.  The  pop- 
ular idea,  especially  with  the  less  educated 
masses,  is  that,  if  a  man  bum  bis  finger,  it  is 


1  i 


'  I 


54  BLBOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 

the  finger  that  smarts.     But  this  cannot  be  true. 
Pain  can  exist  only  where  consciousness  is.    And 
there  is  no  consciousness  in  the  finger,  nor  in  any 
material  part.     Only  the  mind  is  conscious  of 
exUtence,  even.;  and  hence  only  the  mind  can  be 
conscious  of  pleasure  or  pain.    If  a  limb  bo  par- 
alyzed, by  interrupting  in  any  way  the  flow  of  the 
electro-vital  fluid  through  its  nerves,   and   thus 
depriving  the  mind  of  its  medium  of  communi- 
cation with  it,  you  may  burn  that  limb  to  a  cnsp 
and  the  subject  will  feel  no  pain,     ^v'hen  you 
burn  your  finger  or  break  your  arm,  you  disturb 
the  action  of  the  electro-vitality  in  the  injured 
part,  deranging  its  poles.     This  electric  agent 
instantly  communicates  its  disturbance  along  the 
nerves  to  the  brain,  where  it  reports  to  the  mmd 
and  tells  where  the  disturbance  is.     The  con- 
scious mind  takes  cognizance  of  the  fact  and 
feels  distress.  '■  , 

THK   LOWER  ANIMALS. 

It  may,  by  some,  be  objected  that,  if  we  regard 
sensation  as  existing  only  in  the  mind,  as  affirmed 
above,  then  we  must  concede  mind  to  the  lower  ani- 
mal tribes,  since  they  are  subjects  of  consciousness, 
sensation  and  will,  as  truly  as  ourselves.    I  admit 


I  ! 


)IOATION. 

t  this  cannot  be  true. 
5on8ciouBneBB  is.    And 

the  finger,  nor  in  any 
mind  is  conscious  of 

only  the  mind  can  be 
kin.  If  a  limb  bo  par- 
my  way  the  flow  of  the 

its  nerves,  and  thus 
I  medium  of  communi- 
irn  that  limb  to  a  crisp 

no  pain,    ^v'hen  you 

your  arm,  you  disturb 
-vitality  in  the  injured 
J.  This  electric  agent 
8  disturbance  along  the 
e  it  reports  to  the  mind 
turbance  is.  The  oon- 
izance  of  the  fact  and 


I   ANIMALS. 

(jected  that,  if  we  regard 
f  in  the  mindy  as  affirmed 
ede  mind  to  the  lower  ani- 
subjects  of  consciousness, 
ily  as  ourselves.    I  admit 


BLECTRIGAL    MEDICATION. 


6$ 


this  necessity,  and  unhesitatingly  take  the  posi- 
tion, as  has  been  already  done  in  the  classification 
of  minds,  that  the  lower  animals  are  in  fact 
endowed  with  a  something  higher  and  more  spir- 
itual than  their  material  bodies  or  their  animal 
vitality — something  which  bears  distinguishing 
characteristics  of  mind.  I  would  not,  however, 
be  understood  to  say,  or  to  imply,  that  they  pos- 
sess all  the  characteristics  of  our  minds,  even  in  a 
rudimental  degree.  I  do  not  believe  they  do. 
My  theory  does  not  accord  to  them  either  reason 
or  immortality.  Tet,  in  respect  to  the  latter,  my 
views  are  less  decisive,  and  my  utterances  usually 
more  reserved.  But  I  think  their  minds  may, 
and  probably  do,  perish  with  their  bodies.  Nev- 
ertheless, the  existence  of  consciousness,  sensa- 
tion and  will,  in  any  orders,  does  evidently  pre- 
suppose some  sort  of  mental  constitution.  And 
such  mental  structure,  in  them  as  well  as  in  us, 
must  be  distinct  from  and  superior  to  the  animal 
vitality — compelling  service  from  the  latter,  and 
using  it  as  a  medium  for  communicating  with  the 
body,  and  with  the  outer  world  in  general. 

THB  VEGETABLE   KINGDOM. 

As  to  the  vegetable  kingdom,  there  is  here,  so 


11 


;ii 


rl 


lii 


11 


66  BLiBOTBIOAL  MBDIOATION. 

far  as  we  can  discover,  only  a  duality  of  prin- 
ciple, via:     the   material  body  and  a  modified 
phase  of  electro-vitality.     TLsse  component  parts 
appear  to  sustain  to  each  other,  in  the  vegetable, 
relations  quite  analagous  to  those  of  the  corre- 
sponding parts   in   the  animal.     But  here  the, 
mental  part  is  wanting;  and  consequently  there 
is  no  consciousness,  sensation,  nor  will ;  and  the 
electro-vital  action  is  guided  in  its  elaborate  and 
beautiful  operations  for  the  forming  and  develop- 
ing of  the  plant,  and  in  all  its  vital  functions,  by 
the  all-pervading  mind  of  God. 

NATURAL    POLARIZATIOK    OF    MAK*8    PHYSICAL 
ORQANISM. 

The  electro-vital  fluid,  in  the  animal  economy, 
is  subject  to  the  same  principles  of  polarisation 
as  the  magnetic  current  from  the  artificial  ma- 
chine, or  the  magnetism  of  the  bar-magnet.     In 
the  material  organism  of  man,  the  great  nerve- 
centers— the  brain,  the  spinal  cord,  and  the  gan- 
glions—appear to  act  the  part  of  fixed  magnets, 
charged  with  the  electro-vital  fluid.    Indeed,  there 
is  much  reason  to  believe  that  this  fluid  is  elabo- 
rated within  these  nerve- centers— more  especially 
within  the  brain— from  the  inorganic  electricity 


of  t 

lunj 

thea 

pro4 

tod 

in  a 

bloc 

see 

maj 

asl 

whi 

whi 

dire 

so  ] 

An 

froi 

den 

bei 

tiv( 

or; 

to 

Th 

sye 

bni 


5ATION. 

a  duality  of  prln- 
\j  and  a  modified 
ise  component  parts 
ir,  in  the  vegetable, 
those  of  the  corre- 
lal.     But  here  the^ 

consequently  there 
,  nor  will ;  and  the 
in  its  elaborate  and 
)rming  and  develop- 
B  vital  funciions,  by 
id. 

f  man's  phybioal 
[. 

the  animal  economy, 
liples  of  polarization 
•m  the  artificial  ma- 
the  bar-magnet.  In 
lan,  the  great  nerve- 
al  cord,  and  the  gan- 
art  of  fixed  magnets, 
I  fluid.  Indeed,  there 
lat  this  fluid  is  elabo- 
ters — ^more  especially 
I  inorganic  electricity 


BLBOTBIOAL   MBDIOATION. 


67 


of  the  outer  world,  which  is  supplied  through  the 
lungs  in  respiration,  and   conducted  thence  to 
these  laboratories  by  a  remarkably  interesting 
process — a  process  which  I  have  not  room  here 
to  describe,  but  which  I  have  drawn  out  in  detail 
in  a  manuscript  lecture  on  the  circulation  of  the 
blood,  for  my  classes,  and  which  may  some  day 
see  the  light.     These  nerve-centers,  viewed  as 
magnets  of  electro-vitality,  require  to  be  regarded 
as  having  each  a  positive  nucleus  in  the  interior,  on 
which  are  ranged  the  negative  ends  of  the  currents 
which  go  out  from  this  positive  nucleus  in  every 
direction  to  the  surface  of  the  medullary  organ — 
so  radiating,  as  it  were,  from  center  to  periphery. 
And  the  nerve-lines  and  ramifications  which  issue 
from  these  great  nerve-centers  are  jjolariased  evi- 
dently in  the  same  way — the  electvo-vital  fiuid 
being  disposed  with  its  negative  ends  to  the  posi- 
tive surfaces  of  the  nerve-centers,  and  its  positive 
or  plus  ends  to  the  "vital  organs,"  and  especially 
to  the  surfaces   of  the   organism  as  a  whole. 
There  are  many  other  polarizations  in  the  human 
system,  subordinate  to  those  mentioned  above; 
but  I  have  no  room  to  speak  of  them  in  detail. 


M 


KLBOTBIOAl    MIDIOATIOK. 


i  I 


T 


BLUOTBICAL  OLABBIITICATION  OF  DI8BA8BB. 

There  are  two,  and  only  two.  primary  classes 
of  disease-tho.e  in  which  the  electro-vital  force 
i,  abnormally  vo,iiive,  anci  thoee  v.her )  it  is  pre- 
ternaturally  negative.     The  former  class  com; 
prises  every  variety  and  phase  of  ^JV^'^'^^^ 
and  the  latter,  every  sort  and  degree  of  anesthesia, 
or  rather,  of  H.oodynamia.     Jn/«a«iorv  may 
be  taken  as  a,  general  representative  of  the  posi- 
tive   or    hyperBth..nic    class-those    forms    of 
disease   in   which  there    is    too    much  electro- 
.itaUty,   01   in  which  the  vital   force  may  he 
said  to  be  too  active.    Paraly»z»  may  stand  as  a 

general  representative  of  the  negative  or  azoody- 

namio  class-those  in  which  the  vital  .otion  ^s 

too  low  or  weak. 

PHILOSOPHY  OF  DIBBABB  AKD   CURB. 

In  evAry  part  of  the  animal  economy,  polar 
derangements  in  the  electro-vital  principle  are 
liable  to  occur.  These  derangements  are  always 
the  real  foundation  of  disease.  They  may  be 
occasioned  by  a  thousand  agenc.es,  which  act  as 
the  proeurir,)  cause  of  disease;  hut  the  pro-'" 
nuxte  and  ,>mtamifui  cause  i.-  polar  disturbarcj- 


[CATION. 

ON  OF  DI8BA8BB. 

two,  primary  claeses 
be  electro-vital  force 
hoee  v»l»erjit»«  pre- 
I  former  class  com- 
ase  of  hypcffsthenia, 
degree  of  aneesthesia, 
InfjamrMtim  may 
sentative  of  the  posi- 
S8— those    forms    of 
,    too    much  electro- 
vital   force  may  be 
ilysis  may  stand  as  a 
le  negative  or  azoody- 
oh  the  vital  »«tion  is 


(ABB  AND   OURB. 

mimal  economy,  polar 
tro-vital  principle  are 
rangements  are  always 
isease.  They  may  be 
agencies,  which  act  as 
isease;  but  the  proi"'' 
,  ie  polar  disturbarca — 


BLKCTRICAL   MBDIOATION. 

derangement  of  the  aleotro-vital  poles.  Parts 
which,  in  health,  are  relatively  positive,  may 
become  negative,  and  that  which  should  be  nega- 
tive may  become  positive.  Or  again,  a  part, 
natiually  positive  to  its  counterpart,  may  become 
exceamely  so,  and  that  which  should  be  relatively 
negative  may  become  negative  to  a  morbid 
degree. 

To  correct  these  polar  disturbances  and  restore 
the  normal  polarization,  is  to  eure  the  eoinplaint. 
This  is,  under  the  treatment  of  most  physicians, 
often  accomplished  by  the  use  of  medicines,  and 
by  mechanical  or  surgical  agency.  We  accom- 
plish it  by  the  proper  application  of  the  pole$  of 
our  electrical  apparatus.  In  cases  where  there  is 
virut  to  be  destroyed,  or  abnormal  grovfth$  to  be 
removed,  'we  also  secure  the  ehemioal  action 
appropriate  to  these  ends  by  the  proper  teleetion 
of  OUT  current.  It  often  happens  that  meehanir 
eal  07  surgical  action  is  demanded.  In  many 
Much  cases,  we  do  not  profess  to  secure  normal 
polarization  and  consequent  cure  by  means  of 
electricity  alone.  Yet,  in  a  large  proportion  of 
the  cases  where  mechanical  or  surgical  agency  is 
usually  thought  to  be  indispen&ible,  we  are  able 
to  CUT'')  by  electric  action  only,  since  by  it  we  can 


I  I 


'l!t 


!l 


'•'II 

;ttil 

•'ill 


■LBOTftlOAL    MBDIOATION. 

exert  very  considerable  mechanical  force  at  will; 
and  can  alw,  in  many  instances,  attain  much  more 
happily,  by  mean,  of  electricity,  the  very  end.  or 
the  6«t  end.  which  would  be  aimed  at  by  skillful 
turgioal  operation.. 


lATION. 


nical  force  at  will; 
s,  attain  much  more 
ty,  the  yery  ends  or 
aimed  at  by  akillful 


BLBOTRIOAL   MBOIOATIC:;. 


PRINCIPLES  OF  PRACTICE. 


POLAR   ANTAOONISM. 

When  the  conducting  cordt  are  of  equal  length, 
as  commonly  they  should  be,  each  of  the  two 
poles  or  electrodes  pr  duces  a  polar  effect  in  the 
patient  directly  the  opposite  of  that  produced  by 
the  other.     Also,  at  any  point  in  either  half  of 
the   circuit,  if  it  be  within  the  person  of   the 
patient,  the  polar  effect  produced  is  the   very 
reverse  of  what  is  experienced  at  the  correspond- 
ing point  in  the  other  half  of  the  circuit.     And 
further;    each   half  of   the  current  produces  a 
polar  effect,  at  every  point  in  the  parts  of  the 
patient  through  which  it  runs,  the  same  in  kind, 
though  differing  in  degree,  as  is  produced  imme- 
diately under  the  pole  or  electrode  with  which  it 
is  connected;  yet  an  effect  antagonistic  to  that 
which  is  produced  under  the  other  pole,  or  at  the 
corresponding   point   in   the   other   half  of   the 
current. 


BLKOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


IMPORTANCE    OF    NOTING    THE     CENTRAL    POINT. 


From  the  above  observations,  it  will  be  plain 
that,  when  we  wish  to  bring  a  direaaed  organ 
under  the  influence  of  the  potitive  pole,  we  must 
carefully  place  our  electrodes  so  that  none  of  the 
organ,  or  none  of  the  diseased  part  of  it,  shall 
appear  on  the  positive  *  side  of  the  central  point 
of  the  circuit;  it  being  understood  that  the  cur- 
rent moves  as  nearly  in  direct  lines  as  the  best 
conducting  medium  will  admit.     Or  again,  if  it 
be  desired   to   bring  a  diseased  organ,  or  any 
extended  part  of  it,  under  the  influence  of  the 
negative  pole,  we  must  first  calculate  in  placing 
our  electrodes  about  where  the  central  point  will 
come,  and   then  so  apply  them  that  no  part  of 
the  lesion  or  disease  shall  appear  on  the  nega- 
tive *  side  of  the   central  point;   otherwise   so 
much  of  it  as  lies  on  that  side  will  come  under 
the  force  of  the  wrong  pol  ,  and  thus  be  affected 
in  a  way  the  opposite  of  what  was  intended.     The 
characteristic    influence    of   each    pole    is    felt 
throughout  its  own  half  of  the  circuit. 


*  Study  carefully  Polarisation  of  thi    ^rcuit,  page  29. 


iij'H 


kTION. 


BLKCTRIOAL   MEDICATION. 


M 


CKNTKAL    POINT. 

B,  it  will  be  plain 
»  diFea^ed  organ 
itive  pole,  we  must 
0  that  none  of  the 
3d  part  of  it,  shall 
'  the  central  point 
itood  that  the  cur- 
t  lines  as  the  best 
t.     Or  again,  if  it 
led  organ,  or  any 
le  influence  of  the 
alculate  in  placing 
3  central  point  will 
jm  that  no  part  of 
jpear  on  the  nega- 
oint;   otherwise   so 
ie  will  come  under 
and  thus  be  affected 
was  intended.     The 
each    pole    is    felt 
the  circuit. 


[A,    'Hrcuii,  page  29. 


DIBTINCTIVB   USB  OF  BACH   POLB. 

I  have  said  that  every  disease  is  preternatu- 
rally  either  positive  or  negative.     I  have  further 
said,  that  the  application  of  either  pole  to  a  given 
part  produces  an  effect  the  opposite  of  what  would 
be  produced  in  the  same  part  by  a  reversal  of 
the  poles.     The  way  is  now  prepared  for  me  to 
announce  thk  central  principle  of  our  system 
of  practice.     The  reader  will  bear  in  mind  that 
all  acutely  inflammatory  or  hypersthenic   affec- 
tions are  electrically  potitive  in  excess — having 
too  much  vital  action — being  overcharged  with  the 
electro-vital  fluid ;  and  that  all  paralytic  diseases, 
or  those  of  a  sluggish,  azoodynamic  character,  are 
electrically  negative — having  too  little   electro- 
vital  fluid — too  little  vital  action.     It  is  a  uni- 
versal law  of  electricity  that  positives  repel  each 
other,   and    that    negatives    repel    each   other; 
but   that   positives   and   negatives   attract   each 
other.      This  is   a  principle  of  electric  action 
everywhere  known,  where  any  thing  is  known  on 
the  subject.      We  appropriate  it  practically  to 
therapeutic  purposes.     Therefore,  when  I  wish  to 
repress  or  repel  inflammation,  which  is  electrically 
positive  in  excess,  I  put  the  positive  pole  to  it ; 


it 


'II 


64 


BLBCTRIOAL   MBDI.OATION, 


or,  at  least,  I  hring  it  nndor  that  half  of  the  cir- 
cuit with  which  the  positive  pole  is  connected, 
and  as  near  to  the  pole  or  electrode  as  possible. 
And  because  two  positives  repel  each  other,  and 
also  because  the  direction  of  the  current  is  always 
from  the  positive  to  the  negative  pole,  carrying , 
the  electro-vital  fluid  with  it,  either  I  must  with- 
draw my  positive   electrode,  or  that   excess   of 
electro-vitality  in  the  diseased  part  which  raakes 
it  morbidly  positive,  and  thus  produces  inflamma- 
I'on,  must  give  way.     1  will  not  withdraw  my 
positive  pole,  and  therefore  the  positive  inflammar 
tion  mvM  retreat  and  be  dispersed.     In  treating 
tills  case,  I  will  place  my  negative  electrode  either 
on  some  healthy  part,  or,  if  there  be  perceptible 
anywhere  in  the  system  a  morbidly  negative  part, 
a?  is  often  the  case,  I  will  place  my  negative  pole 
there.     For  example :  if  I  am  treating  for  nephri- 
tis— inflammation  of  the  kidneys— when  I   do 
not  perceive  any  part  to  be  abnormally  negative, 
I  manipulate  with  my  positive  electrode  over  the 
inflamed  kidney,  having  the  negative  electrode 
placed  at  the  coccyx — lowest  part  of  the  spine. 
My  positive  pole  repels  the  positive  inflammavion 
from  ihe  kidney;  or,  rather,  repels  frcja  it  that 
excess  of  electrc -vital  fluid  which  makes  it  mov- 


J.OATION. 

that  half  of  the  cir- 
pole  is  connected, 
ectrode  as  possible^ 
cpel  each  other,  and 
the  current  is  always 
gative  pole,  carrying , 
b,  either  I  must  with- 
er that  excess  of 
led  part  which  makes 
IS  produces  inflamma- 
lill  not  withdraw  my 
the  positive  inflamma- 
ispersed.  In  treating 
gative  electrode  either 
f  there  be  perceptible 
lorbidly  negative  part, 
)lace  my  negative  pole 
im  treating  for  nephri- 
kidneys — when  I  do 
i  abnormally  negative, 
ivo  electrode  over  the 
;he  negative  electrode 
irest  part  of  the  spine. 
I  positive  inflammaiiion 
5rj  repels  frcai  it  that 
.  which  makes  it  moi*- 


BLBOTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


6fi 


bidly  positive  and  induces  the  inflammation,  while 
the  negative  pole  attracts  the  same  towards  the 
coccyx.  On  its  way,  it  becomes  more  or  less 
diverted  to  adjacent  nerves;  or,  if  gathered  in 
the  healthy  part,  under  the  negative  pole,  it  is 
immediately  dispersed  by  the  normal  circulation 
as  soon  as  the  electrode  is  removed.  But  if  I 
find  a  spinal  irritation,  say  in  one  or  more  of  the 
cervical  or  dorsal  vortebrse,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  a  stomach  affected  with  chronic  dyapepna, 
accompanied  with  constipation  of  bowels,  I  will 
work  over  the  inflamed  or  irritated  spine  with  my 
positive  pole,  because  I  know  from  its  irritation 
that  there  is  an  excess  of  electro-vital  fluid  in  the 
part,  making  it  improperly  positive ;  and,  with  my 
negative  electrode,  I  will,  at  the  same  time,  treat 
over  the  stomach, " bowels  and  liver;  because  I 
know,  from  the  inaction  of  these  organs,  that 
there  is  a  lack  of  the  vital  force — a  deficiency  of 
the  electro- vital  fluid — there,  and  that,  conse- 
quently, they  are  too  negative.  Adopting  this 
method,  I  accomplish  two  objects  in  the  same 
treatment.  First,  my  positive  pole,  applied  to  the 
spinal  disease,  repels  from  it  the  excess  of  electro- 
vital  fluid  which  was  there  doing  mischief;  and, 
second,  my  negative  pole  attracts  the  same,  along 


66 


ELBCTRIOAL   MEDICATION. 


with  the  artifici8.1  or  inorganic  electricity,  to  the 
stomach  and  bowels  where  it  is  wanted,  since 
negatives  attract  positives.  Or  I  wish  to  rouse 
to  action  a  torpid  liver.  Now,  if  I  find  inflam- 
mation, or  enlargement  of  the  spleen,  as  is  com- 
monly the  case  in  chills  and  fever,  I  place  the  ^ 
positive  pole  upon  the  spleen,  at  the  left  side, 
just  below  the  false  ribs,  and  the  negative  pole 
on  the  liver,  which  is  best  reached  immediately 
below  the  ribs  on  the  right  side,  and  around 
backward  and  upward  as  far  as  to  the  spine. 
The  positive  pole  repels  the  excess  of  electro- 
vitality  away  from  the  positive  spleen,  and  so 
reduces  the  improper  excitement  there,  while  at 
the  same  time  it  rushes,  by  attraction,  to  the 
negative  liver,  under  the  negative  pole,  and  makes 
that  more  positive,  and  so  more  active.  In  this 
way,  I  change  the  polarization  of  the  parts,  and, 
in  so  doing,  remove  the  sustaining  cause  of  the 
disease.  You  here  perceive  that  I  treat  a  posi- 
tive part  with  the  positive  pole,  so  as  to  repel  the 
excess  of  electro-vitality  from  it,  and  thus  repress 
its  excessive  action ;  and  that  I  treat  a  negative 
part  with  the  negative  pole,  so  as  to  attract  the 
electro-vital  fluid,  along  with  the  current  from 
the  machine,  to  it  frpm  under  the  positive  pole, 


JATION. 

5  electricity,  to  the 
it  is  wanted,  since 
3r  I  wish  to  rouse 
w,  if  I  find  inflam- 
spleen,  as  is  com- 
fever,  I  place  the  ^ 
1,  at  the  left  side, 

the  negative  pole 
lached  immediately 

side,  and  around 
.r  as  to  the  spine. 

excess  of  electro- 
ive  spleen,  and  so 
lent  there,  while  at 

attraction,  to  the 
ive  pole,  and  makes 
>re  active.  In  this 
1  of  the  parts,  and, 
,ining  cause  of  the 
;hat  I  treat  a  posi- 
3,  so  as  to  repel  the 
it,  and  thus  repress 
t  I  treat  a  negative 
10  as  to  attract  the 

the  current  from 
r  the  positive  pole, 


BLBCTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


67 


and  thus  increase  the  action  by  making  it  more 

positive. 

But  suppose  I  do  what  nearly  all  of  the  doc- 
tors do,  who  use  electricity  with  any  regard  to 
polarity;   that  is,  if  treating  acutely  inflamed 
eyes,  for  example,  apply  the  negative  pole  to  the 
eyes,  thinking  thereby  to  make  them  more  nega- 
tive ;   or,  if  treating   amaurosis,  apply  the  posi- 
tive electrode  to  the    affect  od    parts,   thinking 
thereby  to  make  them  more  positive!     I  say, 
suppose  I  do  this  same  thing,  do  you  not  see  that, 
by  the  fixed  laws  of  electricity,  I  necessarily 
increase  the  evils  that  I  would  remedy?    Do  you 
not  see  that,  by  placing  my  negative  pole  on  the 
already  overcharged  and  inflamed  eyes,  I  attract 
to  them  yet  more  of  the  electro-vital  fluid,  and 
80  increase  their  positive  condition  and  aggravate 
the  inflammation?   and  that,  by  presenting  my 
positive  electrode  to  the  eyes  already  more  or 
less  paralyzed,  I  repel  what  little  electro-vitality 
there  was  there,  and  so  make  the  nerves  all  the 
more  negative  and  dead?     And  yet,  I  repeat  it, 
this  is  precisely  the  plan  of  almost  all  the  men 
who  use  electricity  in  therapeutic  practice  with 
any  regard  to  its  polarization.      They  treat  a 
positive  disease— rather,  a  hi/perathenio  diseiise, 


68 


BLEOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


(for  they  seldom  know  anything  of  the  electrical 
states  of  diseased  parts),  with  the  negative  pole, 
and  an  azoodynamic  disease,  which  is  negative, 
with  the  positive  pole!  —  all  directly  antagonistic 
to  science  and  succebe. 

But  the  great  mass  of  physicians,  who  attempt 
to  treat  electrically,  have  no  knowledge  either  of 
the  electrical  condition  of  the  various  forms  of 
disease,  nor  of  the  distinctive  and  peculiar  effects 
produced  hy  either  pole  of  the  artificial  current ; 
and  consequently  all  their  use  of  this  powerful 
agent  is  entirely  empirical — merely  haphazard 
experiment. 

I  may  have  rallied  an  inquiry  a  few  moments 
since  which  ought  to  he  answered.  I  said,  in 
effect,  that  in  treating  a  positive  disease,  such, 
for  instance,  as  acute,  inflammatory  rheumatism 
or  acute  pleurisy,  I  would  use  the  positive  pole 
on  the  inflamed  parts,  and  the  negative  pole  on 
either  some  healthy  part  or  on  a  morbidly  nega- 
tive part,  if  I  could  find  Buch.  So,  too,  I  said 
I  would  treat  a  negative  disease,  such  as  amauro- 
sis or  torpidity  of  liver,  with  the  negative  pole, 
placing  the  positive  pole  on  either  some  healthy 
or  morbidly  positive  part.  The  query  may  have 
arisen,  "By  placing  the  one  pole  or  the  other  on 


P' 
I 

St 

d 
di 
a 

m 

Pi 

a( 
is 
a( 


t( 


n 


8, 


.TION. 

5  of  the  electrical 
;he  negative  pole, 
rhich  is  negative, 
ectly  antagonistio 

ians,  who  attempt 
lowledge  either  of 

various  forms  of 
,nd  peculiar  effects 

artificial  current ; 
)  of  this  powerful 
merely  haphazard 

ry  a  few  moments 
rered.  I  said,  in 
tive  disease,  such, 
latory  rheumatism 

I  the  positive  pole 
)  negative  pole  on 

II  a  morbidly  nega- 
li.  So,  too,  I  said 
le,  such  as  amauro- 

the  negative  pole, 
ther  some  healthy 
lie  query  may  have 
)ole  or  the  other  on 


ELECTRIOAT    MBDICATION.  W 

a  healthy  part,  do  you  not  ierange  the  normal 
electro-vital  action  there,  disturbing  its  healthy 
polarization?  "  I  answer,  yes,  for  the  time  being 
I  do;  and  if  this  disturbing  force  were  to  be 
steadily  continued  for  any  considerable  time,  the 
disturbance  would  produce  manifest  and  serious 
disease.  But  then,  a  pole  or  electrode,  placed  on 
a  healthy  part,  we  generally  move,  or  ought  to 
move,  more  or  less,  every  few  moments,  which 
prevents  the  establishment  of  any  perverted 
action  in  the  part ;  and  the  moment  the  electrode 
is  withdrawn,  the  normal  polarization  and  healthy 
action  are  resumed. 


USE   OF  THE   LONd   CORD. 

It  is  often  desirable  to  bring  the  entire  parts 
of  the  patient,  through  which  the  current  is  made 
to  pass,  under  one  and  the  same  kind  of  influ- 
ence—  such  as  shall  make  them  all  more  positive 
or  more  negative.  Especially  is  this  true  in 
many  cases  where  we  wish  to  run  through  but  a 
short  space.  For  this  purpose,  there  is  frequent 
advantage  in  using  conducting  cords  of  unequal 
length.  As  my  views  on  this  point  have  been 
disputed  in  certain  quarters,  I  will  endeavor  here 
*4 


!i| 


70  BLBCTRICAL   MEDICATION. 

to  place  them  in  such  a  light  that  they  shall  not 
be  rejected  for  want  of  being  rigUly  nnderstood. 
I  have  previously  remarked  *  that,  for  practi- 
cal  purposes,  it  is  sufficiently  exact  to  consider 
the  magnetic  circuit  as  extending  only  from  the 
positive   pogt,   around    through  the    conducting, 
cords,  the  electrodes,   and   the  person  of   the 
patient,  to  the  negative  po»t.     We  will  so  regard 
it  at  present.     This  circuit  may  be  be  viewed  as 
one  continuous  magnet,  made  up  of  several  sec- 
tions or  shorter  magnets  placed  end  to  end— 
the  positive  end  of  the  first  to  the  negative  end 
of  the  second,  and  the  positive  end  of  the  second 
to  the  negative  end  of  the  third.    In  this  arrange- 
ment, the  negative  end  of  the  first  section  is  the 
negative  pole  of  the  one  whole  magnet,  and  the 
positive  end  of  the  third  section  is  the  positive 
pole  of  the  whole  magnet.     The  minimum  quan- 
tity of  tho  magnetism  is  supposed  to  be  at  the 
negative  pole,  and  the  maximum  quantity  at  the 
positive  pole;   and  the  quantity  is  supposed  to 
increase,  by  regular  graduation,  from  the  nega- 
tive to  the  positive  pole.     This  being  so,  the 
quantity  is  the  same  in  the  positive  end  of  either 


8 
B 

S 

e 

ii 

P 

n 

t 

F 
a 

n 

d 

t 

8 


*  Polarization  of  the  Circuit,  page  29. 


—- -r.7iKiW'---*-i'3sr»»? 


ATION. 

hat  they  shall  not 
rightly  nnderttood. 
*  that,  for  practi- 
exact  to  consider 
ling  only  from  the 
;h  the    conducting , 
he  person  of   the 
We  will  BO  regard 
lay  be  be  viewed  as 
I  up  of  several  sec- 
iced  end  to  end — 

0  the  negative  end 
e  end  of  the  second 
•d.  In  this  arrange- 
le  first  section  is  the 
ale  magnet,  and  the 
ction  is  the  positive 
The  minimum  quan- 
pposed  to  be  at  the 
num  quantity  at  the 
tttity  is  supposed  to 
tion,  from  the  nega- 

This  being  so,  the 
lositive  end  of  either 

1  29. 


ELECTRICAL  MEDICATION. 


71 


section  and  the  negative  end  of  the  adjoining 
section,  at  their  point  of  contact. 

Now,  in  practice,  the  body  of  the  patient,  or 
so  much  of  it  as  is  embraced  between  the  two 
electrodes,  may  be  x-egarded  as  the  second  section 
in  this  magnet ;  and  the  cord  connected  with  the 
positive  post,  together  with  its  electrode  attached, 
may  be  counted  the  first  and  most  negative  sec- 
tion ;  and  the  cord  connected  with  the  negative 
post,  along  with  its  electrode,  may  be  the  third 
and  most  positive  section.  And  if  this  whole 
magnet  be  more  and  more  positive,  by  regular 
degrees  through  all  the  sections,  from  its  nega- 
tive to  its  positive  end  or  pole,  then  the  nearer 
any  given  part  of  it,  say  the  second  section — 
the  patient's  person,  may  be  to  its  positive  pole 
in  the  negative  post,  so  much  the  more  posi- 
tive that  section  or  part  will  be.  And  the  nearer 
such  part  or  section  may  be  to  the  negative 
pole  in  the  positive  post,  so  much  the  more 
negative  it  will  be.  If  the  cords  be  of  equal 
length,  the  central  point  in  the  circuit  or  magnet 
will  be  in  the  second  section — the  person  of  the 
patient,  midway  between  the  electrodes ;  and  that 
section  will  be  charged  with  the  mean  quantity 
of  the  magnetic  fluid.    The  central  point  will 


72 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


hold  exrcth:  the  mean  quantity.  But  if  the  cord 
m  thK.  <■■«  e  Ption  be  'tvo  yards  long,  :nl  that  iu 
t;,,    thk'd  iie-tion  be  four   yurds,  then   section 

jr„„.,,sJ she  patient's  parts  under  treatment— 

i»iii  be  n  •;•■   «t  to  the  negative  pole  in  the  posi- 
tive post,  ;  nd  .  onsequently  will  be  chargo.l  with  , 
much  lets  than  the  mean  quantity  of  the  fluid, 
and  will  therefore  be  made  so  much  the  more 
negative.     If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  cord  in  sec- 
tion first  be  four  yards  in  length,  and  that  in 
section  third  be  only  two  yards,  then  the  patient's 
body— section  second— will  be  brought  nearest 
to  the  positive  pole  in  the  negative  post,  and  of 
course  be  charged  with  much  more  than  the  mean 
quantity  of  the  magnetic  fluid,  and  hence  will  be 
made  so  much  the  more  positive. 

It  is  true  that  the  positive  and  negative  poles 
of  section  second— the  parts  of  the  patient 
between  the  electroJes— will  not  bo  reversed  by 
any  such  changes  in  the  length  or  relative  posi- 
tions of  the  conducting  cords;  nor  is  such  rever- 
sal required  in  those  cases  where  the  use  of  the 
hng  cord  is  indicated.  The  only  cluange  of 
polarization  called  for  in  such  cases,  is  that  all 
the  parts  through  which  the  current  is  to  pass 
should,  in   greater   or   less  degree,  be   affected 


i'lttliiifci^yi'iaii  lil  i  ni'iniiiililtlliiii 


•IMiiii 


TION, 

But  if  the  cord 
long,  Mil  that  iu 
rds,  then  section 
ider  treatment — 
>  polo  in  the  posi- 
1  be  charged  with 
itity  of  the  fluid, 
0  much  the  more 

d,  the  cord  in  sec- 
ngth,  and  that  in 
,  then  the  patient's 
>e  brought  nearest 
^ative  post,  and  of 
tore  than  the  mean 
,  and  hence  will  be 

e.  f 
md  negative  poles 
tB  of  the  pati«Dt 
not  bo  reversed  by 
th  or  relative  poai- 
;  nor  is  such  rever- 
lere  the  usre  of  the 
e  only  cluango  of 
jh  cases,  is  that  all 

current  is  to  pass 
legree,  be   aifected 


BLECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


78 


e.  ke,  as  being  made  more  positive  or  more  nega- 
tive.    Of    ours  J  laose  |)art8  will  be  so  affected  in 
different  degrees — thop.  nearest  to  the  «//or<  cord 
the  most;  tiiose  near.-st  to  the  long  cord  the  least. 
The  class  of  cases  where  the  use  of  the  lorig 
cord  is  more  especially  advantageous,  comprises 
those  in  which  it  is  desirable  to  run  the  current 
ut  of  the  patient  at  the  shortest  admissible  dis- 
tance from  the  positive  electrode.     For  example, 
in  treating  cynanche  tonsillaris,  (quinsy),  if  treat- 
ing with  the  positive  pole  in  the  mouth,  we  would 
inot  wish  to  run  the  current  further  than  to  the 
[tjack  of  the  neck;  or,  if  treating  externally,  wo 
fould  not  wish  to  carry  the  negative  electrode 
further  from  the  positive  than  from  side  to  side, 
[ere  the  long  cord,  with  the  negative  electrode, 
rould  be  a  special   advantage  in  subduing  the 
inflammation.     We  would  not  care  to  increase 
the  inflammatory  action,  as  we  should  necessarily 
do  on  the  positive  side  of  the  central  point,  by 
using  cords  of  equal  length. 

Again,   f  treating  a  case  of  acute  enteritis  — 
inflammatio     of  the  intestines — we   would  not 
swish,  while  t  eating  the  abdomen  with  the  posi- 
tive pole,     ',  increase  the   inflammation   in  the 
lower  parts,  by  using  equal  cords  and  placing 


m 


u 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


tne  negative  pole  at  the  saorum  or  the  coccyx. 
jJeithnr  would  we  wish  to  reduce  the  strength  of 
the  lower  limba  by  carrying  the  negative  pole  to 
the  feet.      Nor,   yet   again,  would   we   care   to 
endanger   the   thoracic   viscera  by  running-  the 
current  from  the  abdomen  up  to  the  dorsal  or    , 
cervical  vertebrae.     The  true  way,  in  such  a  case, 
would  be  to  connect  the  negative  electrode  with 
a  long  cord,  and  then  to  run  the  current  through 
the  inflamed  parts,  and  out  somewhere  from  the 
lumbar  vertebruj  to  the  coccyx,  by  treating  over 
the  abdomen  with  the  positive  pole,  and  placing 
the  negative  pole  on  the  lower  parts  of  tht  spine. 
As   the   cords    that  accompany   the   machine 
from  the  manutacturer  are  usually  cut  about  two 
yards  in  length,  every  practitioner  should  supply 
himself  with  an   extra   cord,  of  at  least   three 
yards,  to  be  used  as  the  long  cord. 

THE  INWARD  AND  THE  OUTWARD  CURRENT. 

I  have  already  said  that  when  the  conducting- 
cords  are  of  equal  length,  as  for  the  most  part 
they  should  he,  the  central  point  of  the  circuit 
will  be  in  the  person  of  the  patient,  about  midway 
between  the  two  electrodes.  Now,  since  the  cur- 
rent always  runs  from  the  positive  to  the  negative 


TION. 

m  or  the  coccyx. 
0  the  strength  of 
5  negative  pole  to 
ould  we  care   to 

by  running-  the 

to  the  dorsal  or  , 
iy,  in  such  a  case, 
ive  electrode  with 
e  current  through 
mewhere  from  the 
,  by  treating  over 

pole,  and  placing 
parts  of  the  spine, 
lany  the  machine 
ally  cut  about  two 
)ner  should  supply 

of  at  least  three 
jrd. 

WARD    CURRENT. 

leu  the  conducting- 
for  the  most  part 
joint  of  the  circuit 
tient,  about  midway 
Now,  since  the  cur- 
itive  to  the  negative 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


76 


polo,  and  makes  its  whole  circuit  in  that  direc- 
tion, it  will  be  readily  seen  that,  from  the  place 
on  the  patient  where  the  positive  pole  is  applied, 
inward  as  far  as  to  the  central  point,  the  direction 
of  the  current  may  properly  be  said  to  be  inward; 
and  that,  from  the  central  point  to  the  place  of 
the  negative  electrode,  where  the  current  comes 
out,  its  direction  may  be  said  to  be  outward. 
When,  therefore,  a  part  is  treated  with  the  posi- 
tive pole,  or  when  the  part  under  treatment 
appears  anywhere  between  the  positive  pole  and 
the  central  point,  it  is  not  unusual  to  say.  It  is 
treated  with  the  inward  current.  And  when  a 
part  is  treated  with  the  negative  pole,  or  when 
it  appears  between  the  central  point  and  the 
negative  pole,  it  is  often  spoken  of  as  being 
treated  with  the  outward  current. 

MECHANICAL   EFFECT   OF   BACH    POLE. 

The  mechanical  effect  of  the  forward  end  of 
the  current,  or  that  part  of  it  which  is  under 
the  negative  electrode,  is  to  relax,  expand  and 
weaken;  while  that  of  the  rear  end,  under  tae 
positive  electrode,  is  to  contract  and  strengthen. 
A  moving  ship  disperses  the  waters  at  its  bow, 
but  draws  them  in  at  its  stern.     The  bullet  shot 


■ana 


Te 


ELECTRICAL   MfcDIOATION. 


•l 


iW! 


from  a  gun,  in  passing  tlirough  a  plank,  leaves 
the   perforation   closed  where   it   enters  in,  but 
wide  open  where  it  comes  out.    Thus,  in  physics, 
the  advance  end  of  a  moving  body  tends  to  dis- 
perse the  elcmti.t  through  which  it  is  passing, 
while  the  rear  end  tends  to  its  contraction.    Analo- 
gous  to  this  are  the  mechanical  effects  of  the 
different   ends   of   an    electrical   current    in    the 
living  tissue.     When,  therefore,  we  wish  to  relax 
a  muscle  that  is  unnaturally  contracted,  as  by 
rheumatism  or  otherwise,  we  must  bring  it  under 
the  forward  end— the  outward  current— the  nega- 
tive pole.     If  we  desire  to  contract  ligaments  or 
muscles  that  are  abnormally  relaxed,  (not  atro- 
phied), as  in   prolapsus  uteri,  we   vnust  subject 
them  to  the  rear  end  of  the  current  — the  posi- 
tive polo.     Parts  that  are  unnaturally  contracted 
are  electrically  negative  in  excess,  and  need  to 
be   made  more   positive.      And   parts   that   are 
unhealthily  relaxed  are  too  positive,  and  should 
be  made  more  negative.     We  make  a  part  more 
positive  by  applying  to  i    the  negative  pole,  and 
more  negative  by  applying  to  it  the  positive  polo. 
Parts  spasmodically  contracted  are  acute  and  posi- 
tive ;   those  permanently  contracted  are  chronic 
and  negative. 


mmmmmmmmsm 


HON. 

1  a  plank,  leaves 
it   enters  in,  but 
Thus,  in  physics, 
lody  tends  to  dis- 
ich  it  is  passing, 
[traction.    Analo- 
ml  effects  of  the 
1   current   in   the 
,  we  wish  to  relax 
contracted,  as  by 
ust  bring  it  under 
iurrent — the  ncga- 
tract  ligaments  or 
elaxed,  (not  atro- 
we   vnust  subject 
urrent  —  the  posi- 
iturally  contracted 
cess,  and  need  to 
d   parts    that   are 
(sitivc,  and  should 
make  a  part  more 
negative  pole,  and 
t  the  positive  pole, 
are  acute  and  posi- 
racted  are  chronic 


ELKCTRIOAL  MIDIOATION. 


7T 


RELAXED  AND  ATROPHIED  CONDITIONS. 

I  alluded,  above,  to  a  distinction  between  a  r«« 
taxed  and  an  atrophied  condition  of  an  organ. 
There  is  such  a  distinction,  which  should  be  care- 
fully observed  while  treating  parts  so  affected. 
An  atrophied  muscle  or  organ  becomes  soft  and 
flabby  from  lack  of  nourishment.  But  this  con- 
dition is  not  properly  one  of  relaxation.  It  ii 
rather  a  diminution  —  a  thinning  out  of  atoms, 
by  wasting  without  replenishment.  Such  a  con- 
dition is  always  negative,  and  requires  treatment 
under  the  negative  pole.  On  the  contrary,  re- 
laxed parts,  such  as  appear  in  prolapsus  uteri, 
and  in  the  sagging  down  of  the  diaphragm,  with 
the  thoracic  and  abdominal  viscera,  exhibit  no 
lack  of  nutrition  or  of  vital  action.  Relaxation 
is  a  loosening  of  atoms  from  each  other,  more  or 
less,  without  loss  of  aggregate  weight;  and  im- 
plies a  condition  electrically  positive  in  excess, 
and  calls  for  treatment  with  the  positive  pole. 

QENBRAL  DIRECTIONS  OF  THE  CURRENT. 

Negative  affections,  as  a  general  rule,  are  best 
treated  with  the  upward-running  current — the 
positive  pole  being  placed  at  a  lower  point  than 


78 


BLECTRTCAL  MBDIOATION. 


the  negative.  Inflammatory  affections,  and  other 
pltts  conditions,  for  the  most  part,  should  he 
treated  with  the  down-running  current,  keeping 
the  negative  pole  at  a  lowe-  point  than  the  posi- 
tive. But  these  rules  admit  of  frequent  excep- 
tions, which  every  practitioner's  experience  will  ^ 
soon  reveal. 

The  downward  current,  running  with  the  down- 
ward and  outward  course  of  the  nerves,  tends  to 
depletion  and  weakness,  for  the  reason  that  it 
runs  off  from  the  system  the  electro-vital  fluid. 
The  upward  current,  on  the  other  hand,  running 
against  the  nerves,  inward  towards  theiv  source, 
feeds  the  system  with  fresh  electricity,  and  gives 
a  tonic  effect.  Yet  for  this  purpose,  it  must  not 
be  too  long  continued,  nor  of  too  severe 
strength,  lest  it  overtask  and  irritate  the  nerve- 
sheaths. 

In  treating  a  paralysed  organ,  the  current 
should  commonly  be  run  from  a  healthy  part, 
whether  that  require  it  to  be  directed  downwards 
or  upwards.  For  example  :  In  treating  a  para- 
lyzed foot  or  leg,  the  positive  pole  should  be  upon 
the  lower  part  of  the  spine — at  the  coccyx — or 
even  under  the  sole  of  the  opposite  f^iot.  It  is 
best  to  alternate  between  these  positions.     So  in 


■i^tf^syw;^*:s*53Pi*a7e3r 


:0ATION. 

affections,  and  other 
est  part,  should  be 
mg  current,  keeping 
point  than  the  posi- 
;  of  frequent  excep- 
ler's  experience  will , 

inning  with  the  down- 
'  the  nerves,  tends  to 
)r  the  reason  that  it 
she  electro-vital  fluid. 
e  other  hand,  running 
towards  theiv  source, 

electricity,  and  gives 
a  purpose,  it  must  not 

nor    of    too     severe 
ttd  irritate  the  nerve- 

d  organ,  the  current 
from  a  healthy  part, 
be  directed  downwards 
,:  In  treating  a  para- 
ive  pole  should  he  upon 
le  —  at  the  coccyx — or 
le  opposite  ff'ot.  It  is 
these  positions.     So  in 


BLICTRICAL  MBPIOATION. 


79 


treating  a  paralyzed  hand  or  arm,  let  the  current 
be  run  from  the  upper  part  of  the  spine,  and  fre- 
quently also  from  the  opposite  hand.  With  the 
negative  electrode,  treat  all  over  the  paralyzed 
parts.  Yet  it  is  well,  in  these  .cases,  often  to 
reverge  the  di'-ection  of  the  current  for  a  brief 
period  at  <  ae  close  of  the  sittings,  say  one  to  two 
minutes,  lor  the  purpose  of  rousing  the  nervous 
susceptibility,  and  to  prevent  exhaustion  from  too 
continuously  running  off  the  electro-vital  fluid. 

TREATING   WITH   ELECTROLYTIC   CURRENTS. 

For  decomposing  and  carrying  off  unnatural 
growths,  as  fistula,  ficus,  glandular  enlargements 
an-^.  other  tumors,  it  is  often  best  to  dilute  the 
electrolytic  quality  of  the  galvanic  current  A  B 
with  one  or  both  of  the  Faradaic  currents,  as  by 
taking  A  C  or  A  D  instead  of  A  B.  But  malig- 
nant and  poisonous  affections,  as  scirrhus  and 
other  varieties  of  cancer,  and  also  cases  of  infec- 
tious virus,  demand  continually,  or  with  but 
occasional  exceptions,  the  primary  galvanic  out- 
rent  A  B.  8®*  In  treating  these  malignant 
affections,  the  current  should  be  run  through  as 
short  a  distance  of  healthy  tissue  as  possible,  yet 
so  as  fairly  to  reach  the  diseased  part.    And 


I 


m 


80 


ELBCTRIOIL  MBDIGATION. 


whether  this  part  be  brought,  for  a  given  time, 
under  the  one  pole  or  the  other,  th©  opposite  pole 
should  be  attached  to  the  long  cordy  so  as  to 
throw  the  central  point  of  the  circuit,  not  in  the 
person  of  the  patient,  but  out  on  the  long  cord, 
thus  bringing  the  entire  organic  parts  through 
which  the  current  is  passed  on  one  and  the  same 
side  of  the  center,  and  so,  under  the  ruling  influ- 
ence of  the  same  pole. 

Those  diseases  which  require  the  chemical  or 
electrolytic  currents  should,  for  the  most  part, 
be  treated  under  the  negative  pole,  particularly 
those  which  need  the  galvanic  current  A  B,  and 
also  old  ulcers  and  chronic  irritation  of  miusut 
surfaces.  Glandular  enlargements  not  of  scir- 
rhous character,  and  excrescent  growths  not 
poisonous,  may  often  be  reduced,  and  perhaps 
sometimes  cured,  under  the  positive  pole.  But 
my  own  experience,  even  with  these  affections,  is 
that  it  is  better  to  treat  them  under  the  negative 
pole  until  they  come  to  assume,  as  sometimes 
they  will,  an  acute  state,  when  the  positive  pole 
may  be  used  with  success.  If,  however,  it 
appears  desirable  to  produce  a  cauterizing  effect, 
this  must  be  done  by  persistent  treatment  under 
the  negative  pole  of  a  strong  A  B  or  A  0  current, 


ai 
P' 


al] 
Tl 
na 

SOI 

tivi 

viti 

obfi 

rag 

cia 

api 

cia] 

its 

aga 

mad 

foul 

grel 

hasi 


-iismissiSigMmiiar^- 


^^*V.t^ 


HON. 

for  a  given  time, 
the  opposite  pole 
g  cord,  80  as  to 
circuit,  not  in  the 
on  the  long  cord, 
lie  parts  through  , 
one  and  the  same 
jT  the  ruling  influ- 

e  the  chemical  or 
or  the  most  part, 
pole,  particularly 
current  A  B,  and 
rritation  of  mucM 
aents  not  of  scir- 
cent    growths    not 
uced,  and  perhaps 
positive  pole.     But 
I  these  affections,  is 
under  the  negative 
jume,  as  sometimes 
sn  the  positive  pole 
If,   however,   it 
a  cauterizvig  effect, 
ent  treatment  under 
A. B  or  AC  current, 


m 


ismtM 


BLBOTRZOAL  MBDIOATION. 


81 


and,  if  the  disease  be  external,   with  a  small 
pointed  electrode. 

POSrriVB  AND   NBQATIVB    MANIFESTATIONS. 

Aevie  diseases  are  to  be  regai-ded  as  electric- 
ally positive,  and  chronic  affections  as  negative. 
The  exceptions  are  rare,  if  any  at  all.  Malig- 
nant cholera,  which  is  eminently  acute,  might  by 
some  be  considered  as  an  exception.  In  nega- 
tive diseases,  there  is  a  low  degree  of  electro- 
vitality.  And  it  has  been  remarked  by  careful 
observers,  particularly  in  the  Orient,  that  cholera 
rages  with  greatest  destructiveness  when  no  spe- 
cial electric  phenomena  have  for  long  time 
appeared  in  the  atmosphere,  and  when  the  artifi- 
cial electrical  apparatus  could  be  made  to  yield 
its  sparks  only  with  difficulty,  or  not  at  all.  And 
again,  ai'tcr  a  thunder-storm,  when  the  electric 
machine  works  Again  freely,  the  cholera  is  also 
found  to  abate  quickly,  and  sometimes  very 
greatly.  The  inference  drawn  from  these  facts 
has  l)een  that  the  prevalence  of  cholera  is  largely 
owing  to  a  lack  of  electricity  in  Che  atmosphere, 
and  consequently  to  a  want  of  the  animal  elec- 
tricity or  electro-vitality  in  the  system  of  the 
patient;   and  thence  it  might  be  concluded  that 


:^^^.i?,S§--^ 


K 


82 


BLECTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


cholera  implies  a  negative  condition  of  the  sys- 
tem. I  think  there  is  a  fallacy  in  this  reasoning. 
There  appears  to  me  to  be  an  unwarrantable 
assumption  in  confidently  attributing  the  long 
absence  from  the  heavens  of  marked  electrical 
phenomena,  and  the  failure  of  the  electric ' 
machine  to  give  its  spark,  to  an  unquestioned 
deficiency  of  atmospheric  electricity.  Electrical 
manifestations  take  place  only  when  the  plii8  and 
minug  conditions  are  existing,  in  relation  to  each 
other,  somewhat  near,  or  not  very  remote;  and 
the  visible  phenomena  appear  when  the  positive 
and  negative  rush  together,  so  as  to  produce  a 
polar  equilibrium.  But  suppose  a  plus  condition 
to  exist  over  a  wide  region,  then,  everything 
being  cvereharged,  the  visible  phenomena  would 
be  as  rare  and  as  difficult  of  attainment  as  if 
all  around  were  mgative.  How,  then,  can  it  be 
inferred,  with  any  certainty,  from  such  data,  that 
there  is  a  deficiency  of  electricity,  rather  than  an 
excess  of  it? 

I  have  not  treated  a  case  of  cholera ;  but  my 
own  impression  of  it  is,  that  in  the  first  stage, 
or  during  the  "rice-water"  discharges,  the  con- 
dition of  the  system  is,  as  in  o'  1  jr  acute  afi'ec- 
tions,  excessively  positive;  but    nat,  as  the  col- 


LTION. 

idition  of  the  sya- 
r  in  this  reasoning. 
an  unwarrantable 
;ributing  the  long 
marked  electrical 
,    of    the    electric ' 
0  an  unquestioned 
tricity.     Electrical 
when  the  plus  and 
in  relation  to  each 
t  very  remote;  and 
r  when  the  positive 
80  as  to  produce  a 
Dse  a  plus  condition 
a,  then,  everything 
e  phenomena  would 
of  attainment  as   if 
How,  then,  can  it  be 
from  such  data,  that 
city,  rather  than  an 

!  of  cholera ;  but  my 
it  in  the  first  stage, 
discharges,  the  con- 
in  0'  1  Jt  acute  affec- 
but    nat,  as  the  col- 


KLBOTKICAL  MEDICATION. 


88 


lapse  comes  on,  it  ra^iidly  oub:,i>I«^8  into  an 
intensely  negative  state,  thus  assuming  the  chief 
characteristic  of  a  chronic  'condition. 

In  the  above  remarks,  I  would  not  be  under- 
stood to  indicate  any  doubt  that  the  prevalence 
of  cholera  is  often  aggravated  or  mitigated  by 
peculiar  electrical  states  of  the  atmosphere.  It 
appears  altogether  probable  that  such  may  be 
the  fact;  and  I  should  presume  that  electrical 
treatment,  properly  administered,  would  be  found 
eminently  successful  in  this  fearful  malady. 

Again,  in  chronic  rheumatism  there  might,  at 
first  view,  seem  to  be  frequent  exceptions  to  the 
rule  last  above  stated;  but  the  cases  alluded  to 
are  not  such.  It  is  often  the  fact,  during  chronic 
rheumatism,  that  soreness  and  severe  pain  are 
felt,  especially  under  the  presentation  of  the 
negative  pole,  thus  showing  that  these  points 
require  to  be  treated  with  the  positive  pole.  But, 
in  such  cases,  although  the  general  disease  of  the 
system  be  chronic  and  negative,  these  sore  and 
severely  painful  points  have,  for  the  time,  risen 
in  their  electro-vital  condition,  and  so  become 
acute  and  positive.  But  when  chronic  rheuma- 
tism is  attended  with  only  a  dull  pain,  and  thf>t 
chiefly  under  exercise  of  the  parts,  and  with 


84 


SLBCTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


m 


little  or  no  increase  of  pain  under  an  application 
of  the  negative  polo  of  the  A  D  current,  medium 
strength,  and  with  no  swelling,  then  the  pain,  the 
BtiflFness  and  the  lameness  aro  41  marks  of  the 
negative  state,  and  the  parts  must  be  treated  with 
.he  negative  pole  of  the  A  D  current,  strongly  at 
first,  but  diminishing  in  force,  from  time  to  time, 
as  the  patient  becomes  relieved. 

Alkaline  affections— those  causing  excessive 
alkaline  secretions— are  electrically  positive. 
Acid  or  (i^dxiloui  states  are  negative. 

HEALING. 

For  healing  wounds,  burns,  ulcers,  irritation  of 
mucous  membranes,  and  cutaneous  eruptions,  the 
A  D  current  is  by  far  the  best.  Becent  wounds, 
contusions  and  burns  are  electrically  positive. 
Old  ulcers  and  irritations  are  generally  negative. 

DIAGNOSIS. 

To  make  a  correct  diagnosis,  it  is  needful  to 
bear  in  mind  the  following  general  principles: 

1.  Where  the  organism  is  in  health,  the  mo- 
mentary application  to  the  patient  oi  the  nega- 
tive pole  of  the  double  Faradaic  current  B  D  — 
the  best  for  diagnostic  use— in  good  medium 


T 


OATION. 

nder  an  application 
D  current,  medium 
;>  then  the  pain,  the 
:o  ill  marks  of  the 
uust  be  treated  with 
current,  strongly  at 
,  from  time  to  time, 

Bd. 

e  causing  excessive 
lectrically  positive, 
■e  negative. 

• 

I,  ulcers,  irritation  of 
meous  eruptions,  the 
ist.  Recent  wounds, 
electrically  positive, 
■e  generally  negative. 

[8. 

losis,  it  is  needful  to 
reneral  principles : 
is  in  health,  the  mo- 
patient  oi  the  nega- 
adaic  current  B  D  — 
se — in  good  medium 


BLBOTBIOAL   H8DI0ATI0M. 


8» 


strength,*  will  be  directly  felt,  yet  will  caose  no 
pain.  Whatever  mvuoular  eontraatmtM  may  be 
produced  for  the  time,  they  are  harmless,  and 
need  not  be  noticed.  Wherever  the  electro>vital 
fluid  is  m  exoeu,  producing  hypersthenia — too 
much  vital  action — the  part  is  morbidly  potitive; 
and,  excepting  sometimes  in  the  stomach  and  bow> 
els,  the  B  D  current,  of  medium  force,  directed  to 
that  part  under  the  negative  pole,  will  produce 
tharp  pain.  But  where  a  current  of  full  mediam 
strength  cannot  be  felt  under  the  negative  pole, 
there  is  a  morbidly  negative  state — a  deficiency 
of  vital  action — a  condition  of  at  least  partial 
paralysis — anaesthesia. 

2.  In  a  state  of  health,  different  persons  will 
have  different  degrees  of  sensibility  to  the  elec- 
tric current,  depending  on  their  varied  nervous 
susceptibility.  Again,  the  same  person  will  be 
much  less  sensitive  to  the  current  when  directed 
to  the  spine,  particularly  the  lower  part  of  it, 
and  to  the  stomach,  than  when  directed  to 
most  other  parts.  Also,  where  bones  lie  near  the 
surface,  the  periosteum — the  membrane  immedi- 

*  By  a  current  ^t good  medium  ttrength,  I  mean  one  which, 
in  the  hands,  is  ordinarily  felt  rather  strongly,  yet  not  suf 
floiiintly  ao  to  produce  distreu. 
6 


H 


t  I 


f!  f 


gg  BLfiOTRICAL   MBDIOATION. 

ately  in.eating  the  bone-is  apt  to  feel  more 
sensibly  under  the  electrodes  than  the  muscular 
parts  But  these  yariat=  >ns  soon  become  so  famil- 
iar to  the  prsfltitioner  that  he  finds  no  diLoulty 
in  making  the  proper  allowances  for  them. 

In  making  an  electrical  examiuation,  the  twa 
following  questions  present  themselves  to  be  an- 
swered: First,  whether  anywhere,  and,  if  so, 
^here  is  there  a  morbid  electrical  state  m  the 
body  of  this  patient?  Second,  what  is  the  elec- 
trical condition  of  thac  unhealthy  part  ?  Is  it 
positive  or  negative  f  '■    *-        ^^ 

These  questions  being  answered,  accordmg  co 
the  tests  just  given,  tho  well-instructed  practi- 
tioner is  prepared  to  go  on  and  treat  the  patient 
judiciously,  and  with  success,  if  success  be  attam- 
able  by  any  form  of  medication.        ' '     • "--     ' 

Let  me  next  say,  It  is  best,  as  ..  general  rule, 
to  make  examinations  with  the  negc.ti^,e  pole. 
The  reason  of  this  is  that,  since  the  cirront  ib 
always  more  energetic  under  the  negative  than 
under  the  positive  pole,  it  makes  itself  more 
sensibly  felt  there  than  under  the  positive  pole. 
Indeed,  it  vriU  commonly  be  felt  even  to  famful- 
nes»  there,  if  the  part  were  overcharged  and 
inflamed  before.    Thus,  under  the  negative  eleo- 


•  t 


dTION. 

apt  to  feel  more 
than  the  muacular 
)n  become  so  famil- 

fiflds  no  diLoulty 
es  for  them, 
amiuation,  the  twa 
lemaelveB  to  be  an- 
where,  and,  if  bo, 
ctricftl  state  in  the 

1,  what  is  the  elec- 
althy  part?     Is  it 

jyered,  according  co 
ll-instracted  practi- 
md  treat  the  patient 
if  success  be  attain- 
lon.    -'  ''-■■'^-'■'■'  '-'■ 
Bt,  as  p.  general  rule, 
L  the  negctwe  pole. 
since  the  cirrpnt  is 
nr  the  negative  than 
t  makes  iteelf  more 
ler  the  positive  pole, 
felt  even  to  painful- 
ere  overcharged  and 
ier  the  negative  eleo- 


BLKCTRIC'AL    MEDICATION. 


87 


trode,  the  current  readily  detects  any  active  dis- 
ease. But,  if  we  be  making  the  examination 
with  the  pontive  pole,  as  we  come  upon  any  point 
more  or  less  inflamed,  the  current,  quick  as 
lightning,  rushes  away  from  such  inflamed  part 
to  the  part  under  the  stationary  negative  pole, 
carrying  with  it,  for  the  time  being,  more  or  less 
of  that  excess  of  electro-vital  fluid  wl'oh  was  in 
force  at  the  inflamed  point;  so  that  no  pain^ 
perhaps,  is  experienced  there ;  and  thus  the  dis- 
ease escapes  detection.  ;,,.,,.;,,,.  ^  ,, ,,  ,^  •  - 

I  am  aware  that  it  has  been  said  by  some  of 
our  practitioners,  with,  if  I  rightly  remember, 
the  able  discoverer  of  the  grand  practical  princi^ 
pies  of  our  system.  Prof.  C.  H.  BoUes,  at  their 
head,  that  it  is  not  quite  prudent  to  use  the  nega- 
tive pole  in  hand  for  diagnosis,  lest  we  possibly 
contract  the  disease  from  the  patient;  since,  in 
that  case,  the  current  runs  from  the  patient  to 
the  practitioner.  They  think  it  safer  to  use  the 
positive  pole  in  hand ;  so  letting  the  current  run 
from  the  practitioner  to  the  patient.  There  is 
force  in  this  consideration,  without  doubt,  where 
the  patient  is  affected  with  a  poisonous  or  malig- 
nant disease.  And  where  any  thing  of  this  nature 
is  a|)prehended,  I  would  n^yer  examine  with  the 


m 


88 


■LBOTRIOAL  MIDIOATIOH. 


negative  pole  in  hand.  But  these  oases  are  com- 
monly BO  manifest,  or  so  easily  dotermined  by 
ooUoqu'al  inquiry,  that  examination  with  the 
electric  current  is  rarely  if  ever  necessary.  And 
when  the  disease  is  plainly  not  of  a  poisonous  or 
infectious  nature,  I  do  not  think  there  is  any  dan-  , 
ger  to  he  apprehended  from  the  cause  stated.  I 
therefore  prrfer,  as  a  general  rule,  to  examine 
with  the  negative  pole;   and  for  the  reason  given 

above. 

The  temperature  of  the  room  and  the  adjust- 
ment of  apparel  should  be  the  same  as  for  treat- 
ment.    To  prevent  improper  chilliness,  the  room 
ought  to  be  of  such  temperature  that  clothing  is 
not  required  for  bodily  comfort— say,  from  70 
to  80  degrees,  Fahrenheit.     Seat  the  pat'^nt  on 
a  stool  or  chair,  (a  stool  is  most  convenient),  and 
yourself  at  hio  side,  with  your  machine,  ready  for 
use,  on  a  table  or  bonch  before  him,  and  a  vessel 
of  warm  water  within  easy  reach.     If  the  patient 
be  a  man  we  let  his  trunk  be  disrobed,  giving 
free  access  to  the  back,  chest  and  abdomen.    If 
the  patient'  be  a  women,  let  her  be  covered  with 
a  treating-robe,  of  which  garments  the  practi- 
tioner should  keep  a  supply.    They  are  made 
much  like  a  lady's  plain  nightgown;  but  large 


T 


TIOH. 

at  oaueB  are  com- 
ly  dotermined  by 
ination   with   tke 

ueoesnary.    And 
of  a  poiaonous  or 
I  there  is  any  dan-  , 
9  oause  stated.     I 

rule,  to  examine 
r  the  reason  giren 

n  and  the  adjnst- 
same  as  for  treat- 
ihilliness,  the  room 
re  that  clothing  is 
jrt — say,  from  70 
eat  the  patrflnt  on 
8t  convenient),  and 
machine,  ready  for 
e  him,  and  a  vessel 
kch.     If  the  patient 
be  disrobed,  giving 
and  abdomen.    If 
ler  be  covered  with 
irments  the  praoti- 
f.    They  are  made 
;htgown;  but  large 


■LIOTBIOAL  MIDIOATION. 


89 


and  loose,  so  as  to  serve  ladies  of  any  siie,  and 
give  ample  room  to  work  the  electrodes  under 
them.  Her  skirts  should  be  dropped  btlow 
the  $tat,  so  far  that  their  bands  shall  lie  aeroai 
her  lap. 

Let  us  now  suppose  the  machine  to  be  working. 
We  will  take  the  B  D  current.  Let  it  be  of  good 
medium  strength.  We  regulate  the  strengUi  by 
the  quantity  of  fluid  in  the  battery,  so  far  as 
volume  is  concerned,  and  by  means  of  the 
plunger  as  respiBots  intentitff.  The  electrodes 
should  be  dampened  with  warm  water.  Let  the 
$ponge-roU,  [a  very  thin  expansion  of  sponge, 
quilted  upon  a  muslin  lining,  and  enveloping  one 
of  the  tin  electrodes],  be  made  the  positive  pole, 
and  be  placed  under  the  coccyx — lowest  part  of 
the  spine.  Then  attach  the  pontive  cord,  that  is, 
the  cord  connected  with  the  negatwe  post,  to 
another  sponge-roll,  to  be  held  in  the  operator's 
right  hand;  or,  what  is  better,  attach  it  to  a  thin, 
flexible  metallic  wristband,  (brass  is  good,  but 
metallic  lace — such  as  is  used  in  trimming  regalia 
— is  best),  underlaid  with  wet  muslin  and  fast- 
ened around  the  right  wrist.  This  brings  the 
operator's  hand  into  the  circuit  as  the  negative 
electrode  or  pole.    Next,  pass  a  moist,  warm 


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Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  U580 

(716)  872-4503 


■IM. 


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Microfiche 

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Collection  de 
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Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  MIcroreproductlons  /  Instltut  Canadian  de  microreproductlons  hittorlques 


90 


BLBCTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


sponge  all  over  the  patient's  back.    Now,  before 
the  back  becomes  dry,  press  the  points  of  two 
fingers  firmly,  yet  not  uncomfortably,  upon  the 
back  of  the  neck  at  the  base  of  the  skull;  thence 
move  gradually  downwards,  by  frequent  touches 
of  the  same  firm  but  gentle  character,  keeping 
one  finger  on  each  side  of  the  spinous  processes, 
until  the  whole  length  of  the  spine  has  been,  in 
this  manner,  passed  over.    If  sharp  pain  or  sore- 
ness be  felt  at  any  point,  note  that  point;  there 
is  inflamed  irritation  there.     Then  return  up  to 
the  right  or  left  shoulder,  and  pass,  in  like  man- 
ner, by  frequent  touches  with  one  or  two  fingers, 
over  all  parts  of  the  back  on  that  side  of  the 
spine,  down  to  the  hips.     Then,  in  the  same  way, 
examine  the  shoulder  and  back  on  the  other  side 
of  the  spine,  noting,  as  before,  every  point,  if 
there  be  any,  where  soreness  and  pain  appear. 
After  this,  pass  over  the  entire  neck,  then  over 
the  front  parts  of  the  thorax  and  abdomen,  down 
to  the  pelvic  bones,  everywhere  watching  for 
soreness  and  pain.     Next,  go  to  the  head.    Wet 
the  hair  through  to  the  scalp,  (because  dry  hair  is 
a  bad  conductor),  and  change  to  a  very  $oft  B  C 
current.     Then  go  over  all  the  head  in  the  same 
manner   as   over  the  neck  and  trunk.     Better 


m. 


kTION. 

,ok.  Now,  before 
he  points  of  two 
urtably,  upon  the 

the  skull;  thence 

frequent  touches 
haracter,  keeping 
spinous  processes, 
ipine  has  been,  in 
harp  pain  or  sore- 

that  point;  there 
rhen  return  up  to 
pass,  in  like  man- 
)ne  or  two  fingers, 

that  side  of  the 
1,  in  the  same  way, 
:  on  the  other  side 
re,  every  point,  if 
and  pain  appear. 
:e  neck,  then  over 
nd  abdomen,  down 
lere  watching  for 
to  the  head.  Wet 
because  dry  hair  is 
to  a  very  soft  B  C 
)  head  in  the  same 
ad  trunk.    Better 


BLBOTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


91 


reverse  the  poles  on  the  head,  by  transposing  the 
cords  in  the  posts,  so  as  to  make  the  manipulating 
hand  the  poeitive  pole.  The  head  is,  or  ought  to 
be,  extremely  sensitive.  You  need  not  do  this, 
however,  if  the  negative  pole  can  be  received  on 
the  head  without  discomfort,  as  it  sometimes  can 
be.  Commence  on  the  cerebrum,  and  then  pass 
to  the  cerebellum.  >  <  ; 

If,  in  the  examination  of  the  spine,  the  practi- 
tioner finds  it  uncomfortable  to  bear  in  his  fingers 
a  current  of  suflficient  strength  to  be  distinctly 
felt  in  that  part  of  the  patient,  he  may  use  the 
side-sponge  cup  on  the  spine.  But  let  him  Tiever 
use  a  current  on  another  person  which  he  does 
not  first  apply  to  his  own  nerves,  so  as  to  know 
its  intensity.  Indeed,  if  one  prefer  to  use  the 
side-sponge  cup  through  the  whole  process,  he 
can  do  so;  although  there  is  advantage  in  using 
the  fingers,  rince,  by  their  concentrated  impres- 
sions, he  is  more  sure  to  detect  disease  than  by 
the  broader  face  of  the  sponge  cup. 

gST  Now,  wherever  there  is  found  soreness  or 
lancenating  pain  under  the  touch,  it  is  sure  that 
the  part  is  preternaturally  |)o«»YiVe — more  or  less 
so,  according  to  the  degree  of  painful  irritability. 
On  the  other  hand,  if  there  be  found  a  partevinc- 


mmmmmmm 


m 


92 


■LIOTRIOAL   MKDIOATIOH. 


ing  much  few  than  the  usual  Bensibility  found 
in  the  healthjf  correBponding  part  of  other 
patients,  it  may  safely  be  pronounced  torpid  or 
paralytic,  more  or  less.  It  lacks  sufficient  elec- 
tro-Titality— is  improperly  negative,  and  needs 
to  be  trefcted  with  the  negative  pole. 

It  irill  often  happen  that  diseased  action  is 
found  in  parts  where  the  patient  was  entirely 
unaware  of  its  existence  until  the  practitioner's 
fingers  or  other  electrode  revealed  it.    Again,  it 
will  sometimes  be  found  that  there  is  no  disease 
whatever  in  parts  where  the  patient  supposed 
disease  to  be  active.    But  when  we  find  patients 
to  be  especially  nervous,  it  is  not  always  best  to 
tell  them  immediately  just  what  our  examinations 
have  revealed  to  us— how  severely  or  how  little 
we  think  them  diseased.    It  is  sometimes  better 
to  humor,  more  or  less,  the  patient's  own  views 
for  a  time;  lest,  by  exciting  him  or  her,  we  make 
a  difficult  case  out  of  one  that  might  have  been 
mastered  with  comparative  ease.    U  **"■  ^^''^ 
discretion  should  guide  us.  ^    *^ 

But  let  me  say  farther,  what  I  deeply  feel, 
that  neither  do  I  think  it  right  to  pernatentiy 
conceal  from  patients,  especially  those  who  are 
dangerously  affected,  a  knowledge  of  their  true 


mmmammmmmmmm 


&TION. 


sensibility  found 

part    of    other 

nonnoed  torpid  or 

cks  sufficient  eleo- 

tgative^  and  needs 

pole. 

diseased  action  is 
tient  was  entirely 

the  practitioner's 
laled  it.  Again,  it 
there  is  no  disease 
)  patient  supposed 
sn  we  find  patients 
not  always  best  to 
\\  our  examinations 
verely  or  how  little 
is  lometimes  better 
patient's  own  riews 
dm  or  her,  we  make 
at  might  have  been 
«e.    In  this  iDf.ti.er 

rhat  I  deeply  feel, 
ight  to  perMtently 
[ally  those  who  are 
ledge  of  their  true 


"Tl 


BLBOTRIOAL   MBDIOATIOH. 


98 


condition.  In  my  opinion,  physicians  often  un- 
wittingly incur  an  awful  responsibility  in  this 
way,  wronging  their  patients  in  the  most  vital 
and  momentous  of  all  interests — the  interests 
involved  in  a  due  p'-eparation  for  death.  I 
believe  the  true  way,  in  every  such  case,  is 
for  the  physician  himself,  in  »  kind  and  soothing 
manner,  to  reveal  to  the  patient,  little  by  little, 
if  need  be,  what  he  really  thinks,  or  to  ask  the 
patient's  pastor,  or  some  other  calm  and  judicious 
person  to  do  it  for  him.  I  believe  the  visits  of 
a  discreet  and  affectionate  pastor,  or,  in  the 
absence  of  a  pastor,  of  some  other  mild  and 
christian  friend,  to  the  bedside  of  the  sick  is, 
nine  times  in  ten,  not  only  no  embarrassment  to 
the  patient's  recovery,  but  positively  favorable 
to  it,  and  ought  to  be  habitually  encouraged, 
rather  than  restrained,  by  medical  practitioners. 
■  ■  »0  ■    • 


'aani8!imw*».MltWiJ!!.'-.«*aWMHi 


msmvmtmih.i 


■\^t1^'^!'-fAJ  ^fHfl^ 


iMiML\L 


PRESCRIPTIONS. 


PRBLIMINART    RBlL  iRKS. 

The  author  wisuas  to  caution  the  reader  not  to 
rely  merely  on  the  forms  of  treatment  here  pre- 
scribed, but  to  study  thoroughly  the  principles 
taught  in  the  preceding  pages,  until  he  shall  have 
mastered  them,  and  can  judge  for  himself  of  the 
correctness  of  these  prescriptions.  It  should  be 
remembered,  however,  that  the  diseases  here  con- 
sidered are  viewed  in  their  simple  or  uneomplieated 
states.  Where  complications  exist,  the  treatment 
must  be  modified  according  to  the  judgment  of 
the  practitioner. 

In  these  instructions,  it  is  always  to  be  under- 
stood that  the  treatment  prescribed  is  with  eord$ 
of  equal  length,  except  when  the  long  cord  is 
especially  mentioned. 

In  most  of  the  local  diseases  here  named,  par- 
ticularly those  which  are  electrically  negative,  it 


kllOW. 


BLIOTRIOAL   MBDIOATION. 


96 


)NS. 

D  the  reader  not  to 
reatment  here  pre- 
ghly  the  principles 
until  he  shall  have 
)  for  himself  of  the 
tons.  It  should  he 
9  diseases  here  con- 
ole  or  uncomplieated 
exist,  the  treatment 
to  the  judgment  of 

always  to  he  under- 
icribed  is  with  corda 
in  the  long  cord  is 

jes  here  named,  par- 
otrically  negative,  it 


is  desirable  to  supplement  the  local  treatment 
prescribed  with  occasional  general  tonic  treatment, 
where,  in  iae  judgment  of  the  practitioner,  it 
can  be  given  without  detriment  to  the  local 
affection. 

In  all  treatments,  the  electrodes   should  be 
moistened  with  warm  water. 

OENERAL  TONIC   TBKATMBNT. 

Take  the  B  D  current,  (A  D  is  very  good),  of 
fair  medium  strength.     Place  the  sponge-roll,  N. 
P.  [Negative  Pole],  at  the  coccyx — lowest  point 
of  spine — and  manipulate  with  side-sponge  cup, 
P.  P.  [Positive  Pole],  from  the  feet  all  over  the 
lower  limbs  to  and  about  the  hips;   occupying 
three  or  four  minutes,  or  less.     Then  remove  the 
N.  P.,  substituting  for  the  sponge-roll  the  end- 
sponge  cup,  and  place  this  upon  the  spine  at  the 
lower  part  of  the  neck.     Now  manipulate  with 
side-sponge  cup,  P.  P.,  over  the  trunk  generally, 
from  the  lower  to  the  upper  parts;  giving  special 
attention  to   the  spinal  column  by  treating  it 
somewhat  more   than   other   parts.      Treat  the 
trunk  scifle  five  to  eight  minutes.     Next,  keeping 
the  N.  P.  s'iill  upon  the  back  of  the  neck,  treat 
with  P.  P.  over  the  hands  and  arms,  up  to  and 


96  BLECTRICAIi    MEDICATION. 

about  the  shoulders.    Treat  here  two  to  three 

minutes. 

It  has  been  customary,  for  the  most  part,  in 
giving  general  tonic  treatment,  to  make  the  P.  P. 
stationary— placing  it  successively  at  "the  feet, 
the  coccyx  and  the  hands-and  to  manipulate 
above  it  with  the  N.  P.     But  the  better  way  is 
as  directed  above.     The  object  is  to  reinforce  the 
main  nerve-lines  and  centers  with  electricity  from 
without.     The  nerves  branch  off  from  their  cen- 
ters—the brain,  the  spinal  cord,  the  ganglions, 
and  the  great  plexuses— and  run,  in  general, 
downward  and  outward  from  the  trunk  lines,  in  a 
manner  somewhat  analagous  to  the  branches  and 
twigs  of  an  inverted  little  tree.     If  we  place 
before  before   us  such  a  shrub,  with  the  root 
upward  and  the  branches  pointing  downwards, 
and  then  draw  lines  from  the  lowest  point  of  the 
lowest  twig  to  the  outer  ends  of  all  the  branches 
surrounding  the  main  trunk,  we  shall  see  that 
our  lines,  instead  of  running  in  t'.e  general  direc- 
tions of  the  limbs,  will,  for  the  most  part,  run 
acro,$  the  twigs.     But,  if  we  draw  our  lines  from 
the  outer  extremities  of  the  branches  and  twigs 
up  to  the  root,  or  near  to  the  source  of  the  trunk, 
we  wUl  find  the  Unes,  in  the  main,  running  nearly 


UTION. 

lere  two  to  three 

the  most  part,  in 
to  make  the  P.  P» 
lively  at  the  feet, 
ind  to  manipulate 
;  the  better  way  is 
is  to  reinforce  the 
ith  electricity  from 
oflF  from  their  cen- 
ord,  the  ganglions, 
i  run,  in  general, 
he  trunk  lines,  in  a 
;o  the  branches  and 
:ree.     If  we  place 
rub,  with  the   root 
ointing  downwards, 
lowest  point  of  the 
of  all  the  branches 
,  we  shall  see  that 
in  t'.e  general  direc- 
the  most  part,  run 
draw  our  lines  from 
branches  and  twigs 
source  of  the  trunk, 
nain,  running  nearly 


■LBOTRtOAL    MBDIOATION. 


97 


parallel  with  the  branches.  Now,  let  us  substi- 
tute for  thid  inverted  tree  the  nervous  system  of 
a  man,  and  remember  that  the  electric  current 
moves  from  the  positive  to  the  negative  pole  as 
nearly  in  straight  lines  as  it  can  where  there  are 
good  conductors,  such  es  the  nerves  and  muscles, 
and  it  will  at  once  appear  that,  in  treating  the 
lower  limbs,  if  we  place  our  N.  P.  at  the  coccyx, 
and  then  manipulate  with  P.  P.  over  the  feet  and 
legs,  our  electric  lines  are  running  from  all  the 
surface  extremities  of  the  nerve  ramifications, 
wherever  the  P.  P.  is  moving,  directly  into  and 
al'^nff  these  fine  ramifications,  and,  through  the 
larger  nerve-branches,  up  to  the  stationary  N.  P. 
Or,  if  we  treat  the  trunk  of  the  body  by  placing 
the  N.  P.  on  the  spine,  near  its  upper  end,  and 
then  manipulate  with  P.  P.  from  the  lower  part 
upward  over  the  back,  sides,  abdomen  and  chest, 
our  current  atrikes  into  the  ourface  extremities  of 
the  nerves  at  every  point  where  the  electrode 
touches,  and  makes  its  way  upwards,  along  the 
nerve-lines,  to  the  great  spinal  cord  under  the 
N.  P. — thus  replenishing  with  fresh  electricity 
all  the  ganglions,  plexuses  and  nerve-trunks  along 
the  way.  But  if  P.  P.  be  made  stationary  at 
the  lower  end  of  the  section  under  treatment, 


19  BLBOTRIOAL   MBDICATIOH. 

and  we  manipulate  oyer  the  parts  with  the  N.  P., 
tl.o  current  Btrikes  from  P.  P.  acrosa  the  nerve 
branches  and  comes  out;at  their  surface  extreme 
ties  wherever  the  negative  electrode  moves -so 
reaching  but  indirectly  and  imperfectly  the  trunk- 
lines  and  their  centers. 


COMMON    COLDS. 

Take  the   B  D  Faradaic  current— moderate 
strength.     If  the  affection  be  mainly  in  the  head, 

lit.    A  fact  bath.    Let  au  earthen  wash-biiriin, 
nearly  filled  with  tepid  water,  be  placed  on  a  table 
or  chair  before  the  patient,  he  holding  the  sponge- 
roll  [See  page  89]  N.  P.  in  his  hands.      Now  let 
him  bury  his  face  in  the  water  as  long  as  he  can 
hold  his  breath.     At  the  instant  after  his  face  is 
in  the  water,  drop  into  the  water^the  tin  electrode 
P.  P.    Repeat  this  process  as  often  as  he  recovers 
his  breath,  some  eight,  ten  or  a  dozen  times. 

2d.  Place  the  sponge-roll  N.  P.  in  the  bonds 
as  before,  and,  making  an  electrode  P.  P.  of  your 
own  hand,  in  the  manner  directed  for  diaffnosu, 
clasp  the  nose  of  the  patient  between  your  thumb 
and  finger,  moving  them  up  and  down  along  the 


TION. 

bs  with  the  N.  P., 
across  the  nerve 
r  surface  extremi- 
strode  moTes — so 
erfeotly  the  trunk- 


's. 

Burrent — moderate 

mainly  in  the  head, 

earthen  wash-basin, 
be  placed  on  a  table 
holding  the  sponge- 
is  hands.      Now  let 
er  as  long  as  he  can 
tent  after  his  face  is 
kter^the  tin  electrode 
J  often  as  he  recovers 
r  a  dozen  times. 
11  N.  P.  in  the  hands 
ectrode  P.  P.  of  your 
irected  for  diagnosit, 
b  between  your  thumb 
>  and  down  along  the 


BLBOTRIOAL  HBDIOATIOK. 


09 


■ides  of  the  nose,  and  on  the  nose  between  the 
ey  jfl,  about  five  minutes. 

Aepeat  the  above  forms  twice  or  thrice  a  day. 

If  there  be  hoarseness,  or  cough,  or  stricture 
of  lungs,  or  soreness  of  chest,  place  N.  P.,  with 
long  eordf  upon  back  of  neck,  and  treat  with  P. 
P.  over  the  front  part  of  neck  and  breast,  and 
wherever  upon  the  thorax  stricture  or  soreness 
appears. 

If  there  be  a  feverish  condition  j{  the  system, 
attended,  perhaps,  with  pain  in  the  head,  place 
P.  P.  on  the  spine,  a  little  below  the  cranium, 
and  treat  with  N.  P.,  long  eord,  all  the  way  down 
the  spine,  and  over  the  entire  back,  sides,  thorax 
and  abdomen.  In  this  case  let  the  current  be 
rather  mild,  and  be  continued  for  a  considerable 
length  of  time,  with  the  view  of  bringing  out 
perspiration.  It  is  bett  that  the  patient  shoulu 
receive  treatment  in  bed,  perfectly  protected 
from  any  cool  air  that  might  restrain  or  check 
perspiration.  In  these  cases,  I  not  unfrequently 
treat  with  a  light  B  D  current  a  full  hour,  unless 
perspiration  start  freely  in  shorter  time,  working 
over  the  trunk  and  limbs  generally.  But,  while 
treating  over  the  lower  limbs,  the  P.  P.  should  be 
upon  the  hypogastric  flexus,  at  the  "small  of  the 


iBwiwimiiunwiu 


»«ssssraa»»w»««iJi'  WUIU.UII1  uib*-"^'«i.':««-.'^^ 


I! 


100  BLBOTRIOAL   MBDIOATION. 

back."     Treat  once  or  twice  a  day  until  relief 

"'^Aft"  the  stricture  and  sorenesB  of  the  lungs 
are  removed,  and  the  general  febrile  action  is 
suppressed,  it  is  desirable  to  give  a  general  tontc 
treatment. 

OKPHALAQIA.  {Headache.) 
1  ^i  Nervou,  headache."  Take  the  B  D  cur- 
rent-moderate force.  Place  P.  P.  on  back  of 
neck,  just  below  the  brain,  and  manipu  ate  with 
Bide-sponge  cup,  N.  P.,  all  the  way  down  the 
spine  and  over  the  back.  ,     u    p  p 

It  may  often  be  necessary  to  apply  the  1.  r. 
directly  to  the  suflFering  part  of  the  head^    In 
that  case,  take  ihe  soft  Faradaic  current  B  0.    It 
the  fluid  in  the  battery  cell  be  fresh,  use  very 
little-just   enough  to   reach  well   the   plat.na 
plate  and  make  the  machine  run.     Wet  the  hair 
thoroughly  through  to  the  scalp,  where  the  elec- 
trode  is  to  be  applied.     Seat  the  patient  on  N. 
P    or  let  him  hold  it  in  both  his  hands,  (the 
former  is  the  better  way),  and  treat  lightly  over 
the  affected  parts  of  the  head  with  P.  P.     Treat 
five  to  ten  minutes,  as  may  be  required,  and  ,f 
the  pain  returns,  repeat  the  treatment.     Only  a 


T 


ft  day  until  relief 

eneBB  of  the  lungs 
I  febrile  action  ia 
■ive  a  general  tonie 

adache.) 

Take  tlie  B  D  cur- 
e  P.  P.  on  back  of 
ad  manipulate  vrith 
the  way  down  the 

to  apply  the  P.  P. 
■t  of  the  head.  In 
laic  current  B  0.  If 
I  be  freah,  use  very 
oh  well  the  platina 

run.  Wet  the  hair 
oalp,  where  the  elec- 
at  the  patient  on  N. 
both  his  hands,  (the 
nd  treat  lightly  over 
ad  with  P.  P.  Treat 
y  be  required,  and  if 
e  treatment.     Only  a 


■LIOTRIOAL  MRDIOATIOV. 


101 


very  light  current  can  be  aafely  applied  directly 
to  the  brain,  and  that  an  induced  Faradaio 
current.  •        , 

2.  Siok  ffeadaeht.  The  pr^  uring  oau«  of 
this  distressing  disease  is  involved  in  oonsidera< 
ble  mystery.  It  seeme,  however,  to  b«  largely 
dependent  on  the  secretion  and  discharge  into 
the  duodenum  of  an  improper  quantity  of  bile, 
and  an  irregularity  in  the  peristaltic  action  of 
the  upper  part  of  the  bowels,  particularly  of  the 
duodenum,  in  which  that  action  more  or  less  is 
reverted,  and  thereby  throws  the  biliary  fluid  up, 
through  the  pilorus,  into  the  stomach.  After  a 
time,  the  stomach  becomes  nauseated  by  its  aocu- 
mnlatiou;  and  the  head,  through  nervous  sym- 
pathy, is  rendered  electrically  positive  in  excess, 
and  thus  is  made  to  ache.  Tet  there  are  certain 
characteristics  of  the  disease  which  this  view 
does  not  satisfactorily  explain,  and  which  muiit 
remain  unexplained  until  advancing  science  shall 
reveal  to  us  more  perfect  light. 

When  this  disease  has  become  habitual  and 
periodic,  it  is  very  obstinate,  and  requires  per- 
sistent treatment — often  for  several  months. 

Take  the  B  D  current,  with  moderate  force. 
Place  the  N.  P.  on  the  spine,  immediately  above 


r-STT! 


I'' 


I 


102 


BLEOTRIOAL   MEDICATION. 


the  kidneys,  and  treat  with  P.  P.  over  the  stomach 
and  the  duodenum,  (lying  tranversely  just  below 
the  stomach),  three  to  five  minutes.  Treat  in 
this  manner  about  twice  a  week.  -^  .• 

It  may  sometimes  be  necessary  to  treat  the 
head  directly.  If  so,  after  the  treatment  above 
prescribed,  add  that  prescribed  for  the  head 
directly,  in  nervous  headache,  with  this  diflFer- 
ence,  viz :  instead  of  seating  the  patient  on  the 
N.  P.,  or  placing  the  same  in  his  hands,  pass  it 
over  the  stomach  and  duodenum,  unless  the  former 
may  be  already  too  positive.  In  that  case,  let 
the  N.  P.  bo  at  the  seat.  ,  -,   ,,        ,.,     ,, 

DEAFNESS. 

The  prognotis  is  very  uncertain.  This  infirm- 
ity is  often  cured  by  our  system,  even  when  of 
long  standing;  and  often,  again,  the  treatment 
fails.  The  uncertainty  arises  from  the  difficulty 
in  determining  the  exact  pathological  derange- 
ment. 

Take  the  A  D  current,  mild  force.  Introduce 
the  ear  electrode  as  the  N.  P.  when  the  disease 
is  of  long  standing,  or  as  the  P.  P.  when  it  is  of 
recent  origin.  Apply  the  opposite  pole  to  the 
back  of  the  neck.     Treat  five  to  eight  minutes, 


0 

tl 

tl 

a 


ICATION.  • 

.  P.  over  the  stomach 
anversely  just  below 
minutes.  Treat  in 
eek.  ^■^  ;■■%■  -; 
cessary  to  treat  the 
the  treatment  above 
ribed  for  the  head 
he,  with  this  diflFer- 
;  the  patient  on  the 
in  his  hands,  pass  it 
um,  unless  the  former 
e.     In  that  case,  let 


s. 

sertain. 
lystem. 


This  infirm- 
even  when  of 


again,  the  treatment 
es  from  the  difficulty 
pathological  derange- 


jld  force.  Introduce 
P.  when  the  disease 

le  P.  P.  when  it  is  of 
opposite  pole  to  the 

ive  to  eight  minutes. 


BLBOTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


108 


once  a  day  for  three  or  four  days,  and  afterwards 
three  times  a  week.  If  no  success  appears  within 
three  weeks,  it  will  probably  be  vain  to  expect 


it  afterwards. 


'.r 


■..?  ?9S4''' 


ii^  %-  k^>  cl: . 


::^V-::        -t:  ".  NOISBiJ  IN  THB  HBAD.      -^ .:    '■    , --- 

Treat  the  same  as  for  deafness.         '  -'"    '^ 

INVLAMBD   BTBS.         ,      , 

If  the  disease  be  recent  and  acute,  (but  not 
infectious),  as  from  sewing  or  reading  by  lamp 
light  or  other  irritation,  take  the  0  D  current,  of 
moderate  force.  Treat  with  the  eye-bath,  filled 
with  tepid  water,  having  the  eye  open  in  the 
water.  ■  Make  the  bath  the  P.  P.,  and  place  the 
N.  P.  on  the  spine  at  the  upper  dorsal  vertebra. 
Treat  each  eye  three  minutes  daily,      jsj.^n 

If  the  disease  be  acute  and  infeciiotu,  use  the 
A  C  current  some  four  to  six  times,  and  then 
change  to  A  D.  Apply  the  current  as  directed 
.above.        ■•^^-if-:.'  ^;sl.  n  ■  ;v/,-.Y:i 

If  the  disease  be  chronic,  or  the  lids  granu- 
lated, treat  with  A  D,  very  mild  current,  apply- 
ing the  eye-bath,  N.  P.,  to  the  eyes,  and  place 
the  P.  P.  upon  the  spine,  at  the  top  of  the  back. 


,/™.- 


104  BLBOTBIOAL  MKOATIOH. 

Treat  each  eye  three  to  fite  minutes  three  times 

a  week. 

la  cases  of  simple  inflammation,  (not  infec- 
tions), and  that  chiefly  or  entirely  iA  the  Uds,  it 
is  often  quite  as  well  or  hotter  to  treat  over  the 
closed  lids  with  the  flnger,  holding  the  sponge- 
roll  P.  P.  in  the  same  hand. 

AMAUEOSIB.  {Paralytit  df  tA«  op«w  nervt^^ 
Use  B  D  current,  moderate  force,  three  or 
four  times,  and  then  change  to  0  D.  Apply  the 
eye-bath,  N.  P.,  to  the  eye,  and  sponge-cup  P.  P. 
upon  one  of  the  upper  dorsal  vertebrae.  Treat 
three  to  five  minutes  on  each  eye,  three  times  a 
week. 

BXBABI5MU8.    (Dt«corifln««  of  the  eyet.) 
If  neither  of  the  reehu  muscles  have  been  cwt 
uid  cicatrised,  and  if  the  deformity  be  not  con- 
genital, it  may  ordinarily  be  cured. 

Take  B  D  current,  with  small-pointed  elec- 
trodes. If  the  eye  be  turned  inward,  insert  P. 
P.  in  the  outer  angle  of  the  eye,  so  as  to  bear 
upon  the  rectui  extemuiy  and  N.  P.  in  the  in- 
ner angle,  so  as  to  bear  on  the  reeUu  inUmut. 
Let  the  current  be  of  what  force  the  patient  can 


be 
rei 
ou 
at 
bti 
Ti 
be 
if 
w< 

sa 
th 
ai 


ec 
so 
w 
a1 
e: 
U 
ti 


i 


i — 


^roATioir. 
minutes  throe  times 

mmation,  (not  infec- 

mtirely  'm  the  lids,  it 

iter  to  treat  over  the 

holding  the  sponge- 

(^  the  optic  nerve.) 
srate  force,  three  or 
9  to  0  D.  Apply  the 
and  sponge-onp  P.  P. 
rsal  yertebrtt.  Treat 
ach  eye,  three  times  a 

lanoe  of  the  eyet.) 
muscles  have  been  ovt 
deformity  be  not  con- 
>e  cured. 

bh  small-pointed  elec- 
■ned  inward,  insert  P. 
the  eye,  so  as  to  bear 
and  N.  P.  in  the  in- 
n  the  reeiue  iwtemut. 
,t  force  the  patient  can 


BLWrmiOAL  MIDIOATION. 


106 


bear.  Withdraw  the  electrodes  fireqnently,  to 
rest  the  eye,  and  then  reapply  them.  Apply  the 
current  in  this  manner  six  to  ten  or  twelre  times 
at  a  sitting.  The  eye  will  soon  become  inflamed, 
but  the  inflammation  will  qniokly  go  down. 
Treat  daily,  or  ou  alternate  days,  as  the  eye  can 
bear.  After  treating  some  teu  or  twelve  times, 
if  the  organ  does  not  come  into  place  let  it  rest  a 
week,  and  then  resume  the  treatment  as  before. 
If  the  eye  be  turned  otOward,  treat  in  the 
same  manner  as  directed  above,  except  that  in 
this  case,  the  P.  P.  must  be  inserted  in  the  inner 
and  the  N.  P.  in  the  outer  angle. 

,  OAIA&BH.  {AotUe.) 
It  in  the  head,  treat  as  prescribed  for  common 
colds  in  the  head.  If  in  the  throat,  place  N.  P. 
somewhere  on  the  dorsal  vertebrse,  and  treat 
with  P.  P. — tongue  instniment — in  the  mouth 
about  five  minutes,  and  then  with  end-sponge  cup 
externally  upon  the  affected  parts  as  much  longer. 
Use  the  B  D  current,  ib  good  medium  strength, 
twice  a  day.     -^'^^m^  mv^^s.  --m^i^-  -.u  -.'.-aK 

OATAKBH.    (Ohronie.) 
If  in  the  head,  first  give  fttee-batkf  as  in  oomnum 


'^1 


106 


BLBOTRIOAL  MEDICATION. 


colds,  except  with  reverted  pole$  and  changing 
to  the  A  D  current,  very  mild  force.  If  in  the 
throat  or  bronchial  tubes,  place  the  P.  P.  of  the 
A  D  current,  with  long  cord,  on  the  back  of  the 
neck  or  in  the  month,  and  treat  with  N.  P.,  toft 
current,  upon  the  affected  parts,  eight  or  ten 
minutes.       '   *•     ■:  u  -^v  . 

Repeat  treatment  about  three  times  a  week. 

DIPHTHERIA.  .:.. .    ^, 

Use  the  A  D  current,  strong  force.  Place  the 
N.  P.,  long  eordj  upon  the  lower  cervical  verte- 
bra, and  then  treat,  firtt,  with  the  tongue  instru- 
ment, P.  P.,  in  the  mouth,  as  far  back  on  the 
tongue  as  can  be  borne,  three  to  five  minutes. 
Next,  manipulate  with  sponge-cup,  P.  P.,  or  the 
tin  electrode  filled  with  sponge,  over  all  the  front 
parts  of  the  neck  and  throat,  down  to  the  chest, 
five  to  eight  minutes.  ••i*ti^*  ft^  •*■-:.- 

V  Treat  as  often  as  once  in  two  or  three  hours. 

.       APHONIA.     {Lott  of  Voiee.)        *-     v 
This  affection  requires  treatment  variously,  as 

it  depends  on  one  or  another  procuring  cause. 
If  it  be  the  result  of  recent  "cold,"  inducing 

acute  catarrhal  irritation  in  the  larynx,  treat 


fc 
r( 
n( 
m 

P' 

tl 

w 
I 
a 

1 


■mvreuff::  •  .5^f3-a:T.':Tl.'5^^^JB^-i«-"*^Zl'.rT;n-i.^i^^i^'i^B^ 


lOATION. 

pole$  and  changing 
ild  force.  If  in  the 
ace  the  P.  P.  of  the 
?,  on  the  back  of  the 
treat  with  N.  P.,  toft 
parts,  eight  or  ten 

iree  times  a  week. 

ong  force.  Place  the 
lower  cervical  verte- 
ith  the  tongue  instru- 
,  as  far  back  on  the 
hree  to  five  minutes, 
ige-cup,  P.  P.,  or  the 
age,  over  all  the  front 
at,  down  to  the  chest, 

two  or  three  hoars. 

I  of  Voice.)  ^„  »  ^„> 
reatment  variously,  as 
)r  procuring  cause. 
Bent  "cold,"  inducing 
in  the  larynx,  treat 


BLBOTRIOAL  MBDICATION. 


107 


firtt  as  for  eommon  cold,  and  close  the  sitting  as 
follows:  Place  N.  P.,  long  cord,  of  A  D  cur- 
rent, in  good  medium  force,  upon  back  of 
neck  or  in  the  mouth,  and  treat  three  to  five 
minutes,  twice  a  day,  with  P.  P.,  over  the  front 
parts  of  the  air  pipe  in  the  neck;  mostly  over 
the  larynx — Adam's  apple. 

If  it  be  from  paralysis  of  the  larynx,  treat 
with  B  D  current,  rather  strong  force ;  placing 
P.  P.,  long  cord,  on  back  of  neck  or  in  the  mouth, 
and  work  with  N.  P.  over  the  larynx,  and  some- 
what over  the  air  tube  of  the  neck  generally. 
Treat  three  to  five  minutes,  daily. 

If,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  the  difficulty  pro- 
ceeds from  a  relaxation  of  the  diaphragm,  with 
general  sagging  down  of  the  thoracic  and  abdomi- 
nal viscera,  so  as  to  draw  upoii  the  trachea,  then 
treat  the  whole  trunk  tonically,  using  the  B  D 
current.    Place  the  N.  P.  low  on  back  of  neck,  and 
treat  with  P.  P.  over  the  abdomen  and  thorax, 
and  especially  all  around  the  edge  of  the  dia- 
phragm— along  the  lower  line  of  the  false  ribs. 
Treat  with  medium  strength  of  current,  ten  min- 
utes, three  times  a  week.    The  aim  is  to  contract 
all  the  relaxed  parts,  so  to  relieve  the  larynx  from 
the  strain  upon  it.     , 


«'.s'.?.--a,5isisfet'49>*te^-^^ 


108 


KtlOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


OBOUP. 

Treat  oronp,  whether  membranous  or  spas- 
modio,  much  the  same  as  is  prescribed  for  diphthe- 
ria, only,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  form,  treat  less. 

ASTHMA. 

Use  the  A  D  current,  medium  force.  Treat  with 
P.  P.  over  the  shoulders  and  between  the  scap- 
nlie,  and  with  N.  P.  in  front  upon  the  lungs, 
heart  and  diaphragm.  Treat  five  to  ten  minutes, 
daUy,  for  three  or  four  days;  after  that,  three 
times  a  week.       ,.-".' t- - 

HEPATIZATION  OP  LnNQS. 

Itke  A  D  current,  pretty  strong  force.  Treat 
in  front,  over  the  lungs,  with  P.  P.,  moving  N. 
P.,  long  eord,  on  spine  from  neck  to  near  the 
kidnep;  thai  is,  over  all  the  dorsal  vertebr». 
If  the  eurrent  be  severely  painful,  moderate  it  te 
endurance.    Treat  six  to  ten  minutes  twice  a  day. 


n 

li 

V 

I 

t; 

P 
c 
t 


iMI 


im^iiM 


PNBUMOHIA^.i' 


«»i  r^-'X't'., 


Take  B  D  current,  forceful  as  the  patient  can 
bear,  and  treat  briefly —say  five  to  seven  minutes, 
several  times  a  day,  until  relief  is  experienced. 


lATION. 


nbranous  or  spas- 
Boribed  for  dipbthe- 
tke  form,  treat  less. 


m  force.  Treat  with 
i  between  the  acap- 
Dt  upon  the  longs, 
five  to  ten  minutei, 
b;   after  that,  three 


J  LUNOS.  _  fv  ,.,  . 
strong  force.  Treat 
th  P.  P.,  moving  N. 
n  neck  to  near  the 
the  dorsal  vertebrw. 
Etinful,  moderate  it  t« 
[  minutes  twice  a  day. 

lA.     (»vt. .       '^i  r4-'>ci': 
al  as  the  patient  can 
five  to  seven  minutes, 
ilief  is  experienced. 


ELBOTRIOAL   MKDICATIOK. 


109 


Place  N.  P.,  long  cord,  low  on  back  of  neck, 
and  move  P.  P.  over  all  the  upper  part  of  the 
lungs.  Then  remove  N.  P.  to  the  lower  dorsal 
vertebrae,  just  above  the  kidneys,  and  treat  with 
P.  P.  over  the  lower  part  of  the  lungs.  If 
typhoid  symptoms  attend,  follow  the  above  with 
placing  P.  P.,  medium  force,  on  back  of  neck, 
close  below  the  cranium,  and  N.  P.  at  coccyx, 
two  or  three  minutes.         -  •  r  f: 

PULMONARY  PHTHISIS.    (Oontumption.) 

After  tubercles  have  been  formed  extentively 
in  the  lungs,  and  have  softened  down  over  con- 
siderable area,  carrying  down  the  pulmonary 
tissue  with  them  into  a  state  of  pus,  there  is 
commonly  but  little  hope  of  successful  treatment. 
But  where  they  are  restricted  to  comparatively 
small  extent,  and  no  ulceration  exists,  they  may 
be  decomposed  and  absorbed  away,  or  be  thrown 
off  in  expectoration,  and  the  affected  parts  be 

healed.  :'-'i'<!''hMi-^  i:i.f  ,:'^:  ?.<<--   '•■".*'-K^      '  V;        vi-   ':-.' 

If  the  case  be  a  rscent  one,  and  acute  fever, 
combined,  perhaps,  with  more  or  less  inflamma- 
tion, appear  in  the  lungs,  use  the  A  G  current, 
in  moderate  force,  yet  all  the  patient  can  bear 
without  special  distress.  Place  N.  P.,  long  cordj 
6 


.l^-liM^M^tBtlWHM^uilSl^W 


110  ELECTRICAL   MBDICATION. 

upon  the  upper  dorsal  vertebra  for  treating  the 
upper  part  of  the  lungs,  or  upon  the  lower  dorsal 
vertebra  for  treating   their  lower  part.      Then 
pass  P.  P.  over  all  the  affected  parts     Treat  m 
this  manner  five  to  eight  minutes,  da.ly,  unt.l 
the   inflammation  is  suppressed,   which  will  be 
indicated  by  an  abatement  of  the  extreme  sensi- 
tiveness  and  lancenating  pain  under  the  elec- 
trode.     Then,  if  feverish  action  continue  high, 
remove  the  N.  P.  to  the  coccyx,  or  to  the  lower 
part  of  the  sacrum,  taking  the  B  D  current,  mtld 
force,  with  cords  of  equal  length,  and  treat,  a. 
before,  with  P.  P.  over  the  affected  parts    and 
also  over  the  thorax  generally,  and  along  down 
the  spine  to  the  lower  dorsal  vertebra.     Continue 
this  treatment  ten  to  fifteen  minutes  da.ly,  unt. 
the  fever  is  removed,  or  nearly  so.     For  th«  part 
of  the  treatment,  it  is  best  to  use  the  hand  as  the 
P.  electrode,  8,nd  to  diffuse  the  current  over  the 
^holepalm  of  th-J  hand  wherever  special  soreness 
appears.    It  is  better,  also,  that  the  patient  receive 
the  treatment  in  bed,  secure  from  any  chilliness 
or  current  of  air,  so  as  to  facilitate  perspiration. 
If  the  case  be  one  of  long  standing,  and  more 
or  less  of  pu,,  or  pus  and  tubercles,  be  raised  in 
coughing,  take  the  A  D  current,  with  equal  cords 


T 


!ATION. 

88  for  treating  the 
)on  the  lower  dorsal 
lower  part.      Then 
5d  parts. .  Treat  in 
inutes,  daily,  until 
Bed,   which  will  be 
r  the  extreme  eensi- 
lin  under  the  elec- 
Btion  continue  high, 
yx,  or  to  the  lower 
le  B  D  current,  mild 
ength,  and  treat,  as 

affected  parts,  and 
illy,  and  along  down 
vertebra.     Continue 

minutes,  daily,  until 
rly  so.  For  this  part 
;o  use  the  hand  as  the 

the  current  over  the 
rever  special  soreness 
hat  the  patient  receive 
re  from  any  chilliness 
"acilitate  perspiration, 
ng  standing,  and  more 
tubercles,  be  raised  in 
rrent,  with  equal  cords 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


Ill 


and  very  mild  force.  Reduce  the  quantity  of 
battery  fluid  if  necessary.  Now  place  P.  P.  at 
the  coccyx  and  treat  with  N.  P.,  (the  hand  is  here 
much  the  best),  over  ai;  the  diseased  parts. 
Change  occasionally  by  removing  P.  P.  to  back 
of  neck  with  long  cord.  The  object  is  to  bring 
the  diseased  parts  under  a  very  light  force  of  the 
A.  D  current,  such  as  is  especially  healing  in  old 
ulcerp  nd  chronic  irritations.  But  if  this  action 
should  at  any  time  increase  fever  or  inflammation 
in  the  lungs,  the  poles  must  be  reversed  for  one 
or  two  treatments.  In  this  stage  of  the  disease, 
treat  ten  to  twelve  or  fifteen  minutes,  daily,  for 
three  or  four  days,  and  after  that,  tl  ree  times  a 
week. 

NEURALGIA    AND    RHEUMATISM    OF    THE    HEART. 

If  neuralgia,  use  B  D  current;  if  rheumatism, 
use  A  D.  In  either  case,  treat  the  heart  with  P. 
P.,  moderate  force,  placing  N.  P.  at  lower  dorsal 
or  upper  lumbar  vertebrae.  Treat  five  to  eight 
minutes,  daily,  until  relief  is  gained. 

Rheumatism  of  the  heart  may  be  distinguished 
from  neuralgia  by  its  occasioning  irregularity  in 
the  cardiac  contractions,  commonly  a  sense  of 
soireness  and  pain  under  pressure  by  the  hand, 


112  KLBOTBIOAL  MTOI0ATI05. 

and  often  perceptible  enlargement  of  the  orgsn, 
:l:  neurVdoeB  not,  and  also  by  UB^pa.n. 
being  more  constant -le«  fitful -than  th.se  of 

neuralgia. 

KNLABQBMBNT,  OR  038IFIOATION  01  THE  HBABT. 

Treat  these  two  affections  in  the  same  way. 
Take  the  A  D  current,  moderate  force.    Place 
N   P.  at  the  coccyx,  or  alternately  there  and 
^ith  l<mg  cord,  on  the  spine  opposite  to  the  heart 
Manipulate  with  P.  P.  over  the  heart.     Treat  five 
to  eight  minutes,  three  times  a  week. 

PALPITATION  OF  THB   HBAET. 

This  is   commonly  a  symptomatic  or  sympa- 
thetic affection-rareZy  idiopathic- and  disap- 
pears  on    cure  of  the   disease  from  which   it 
proceeds.     It  usually  denotes  nervous  weakness 
and  often  general  debility.     G^eral  tome  trea^ 
ment  is  indicated,  as  far  as  can  be  given  without 
interfering  with   the  proper  treatment  of   any 
local   affections   on   which   the    palpitation   de- 
pends. 

TOKPID  LIVBR. 

Take  A  D  or  B  D  current,  full  medium  force. 
Treat  with  N.  P.  over  the  liver,  at  the  right  side, 


^am 


rioN. 

ent  of  the  organ, 
also  by  its  pains 
il — than  th«.Be  of 

N  01  THB  HSART. 

in  the  same  way. 
rate  force.  Place 
nately  there  and, 
josite  to  the  heart, 
heart.  Treat  five 
week. 

i   HEART. 

tomatic  or  sympa- 
»athic — and  disap- 
ise  from  which  it 
I  nervouB  weakness, 
G^eneral  tonic  treat- 
m  be  given  without 
treatment  of  any 
;he    palpitation   de- 


BR. 

full  medium  force, 
rer,  at  the  right  side, 


BLBOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


UM 


immediately  below  the  short  ribs,  and  thence 
backward  and  a  Vttle  upward,  as  far  as  to  the 
spine,  holding  P.  P.  on  the  left  side,  close  under 
the  ribs,  for  about  four  to  six  minutes.  Then 
remove  P.  P.  to  the  spine,  on  back  of  neck,  two 
or  three  minutes.  Next,  go  with  the  P.  P.  to 
coccyx  two  or  three  minutes;  continuing,  as  at 
first,  to  manipulate  with  N.  P.  over  the  liver. 
Let  the  whole  treatment  occupy  some  eight  to 
twelve  minutes.  Repeat  the  sittings  about  three 
times  a  week. 

HEPATITIS.  (^Inflammation  of  Liver.) 
Use  the  B  D  current,  with  what  force  the 
patient  can  bear.  Place  N.  P.  at  the  coccyx, 
and  also  somewhat  on  the  trunk,  opposite  to  the 
inflammation.  Then  manipulate  with  P.  P.  over 
the  inflamed  and  sore  part.  Treat  five  to  eight 
minutes,  once  or  twice  a  day. 

BKLARQEMBNT  OF  LIVER. 

Take  A  D  current,  with  medium  force.  Place 
N.  P.,  some  three  to  five  minutes,  on  left  side, 
over  the  spleen;  and  then  as  much  longer  at 
the  coccyx.  Manipulate  with  P.  P.  over  the 
liver.    Treat  about  three  times  a  week.    If  the 


II 


114 


BLKCTBIOAL  MBDIOATIOlf. 


enlargement  be  recent,  it  will  subBide ;  if  of  long 
standing,  its  restoration  will  bp  slow,  and  some- 
what uncertain. 

BILIARY  CALCULI.     (Otavel  in  Liver.) 

Take  A  C  current,  strong  as  can  be  borne ;  and 
treat  the  inflamed  and  painful  part  with  P.  P., 
while  N.  P.  is  upon  the  right  end  of  the  duo- 
denum.    Treat  eight  to  ten  minutes,  daily. 

INTERMITTENT  FEVER.     {Ague  and  Fever.) 

Use  the  A  D  current.      First,  give  general 
tonic  treatment.     (See  page  95.)     Then  close  the 
sitting  with  a  ttrong  current,  running  from  spleen 
to   liver— P.  P.  upon   spleen,  in  the  left   side, 
just  below  the  ribs,  and  N.  P.  upon  liver— best 
reached  in  the  right  side,  close  under  the  ribs, 
and  around  backward  and  a  little  upward  as  far 
as  to  the  spine.     The  spleen  is  morbidly  positive, 
and   probably  enlarged,  while   the  liver   is   too 
negative.     Treat  spleen  and  liver  in  this  trans- 
verse manner  about  five  minutes. 

If  the  chills  occur  on  alternate  days,  treat  on 
the  intervening  days;  if  every  day,  treat  about 
two  hours  before  the  chill  is  expected. 


TION. 


ELICOTRIOAL   IfKUICATION. 


116 


bside  ;  if  of  long 
slow,  and  Bome- 


el  in  Liver.) 

\an  be  borne ;  and 
part  with  P.  P., 
end  of  the  duo- 

utes,  daily. 

ve  and  Fever.) 

irst,  give  general 

)     Then  close  the 

nning  firom  spleen 

in  the  left  side, 

upon  liver — best 

ie  under  the  ribs, 

ittle  upward  as  far 

morbidly  positive, 

the  liver   is   too 

iver  in  this  trana- 

,tes. 

late  days,  treat  on 
y  day,  treat  about 
:pected. 


NRPIIRITI8.     {Infiammation  of  Kidneyt.) 

1.  Acute.  If  the  urinary  secretion  be  reddi$h 
and  leant,  with  or  without  sedimentary  deposit, 
let  the  inflammation  be  regarded  as  acute ;  and 
use  upon  it  the  B  D  current  of  good  medium 
strength,  or  a  little  more,  if  the  patient  can  bear 
it.  The  pain  from  the  current  will  probably 
subside  somewhat,  and  perhaps  altogether,  under 
freatmeut.  Place  N.  P.  at  the  coccyx,  and  ma- 
nipulate over  the  inflamed  and  sore  partt  with 
P.  P.  Treat  five  to  eight  minutes,  twice  a  day, 
if  the  case  be  recent,  or  onoe  a  day,  if  it  be  of 
some  weeks  standing. 

2.  Chronic.  If  it  be  an  old  case,  and  attended 
with  a  brownish  or  a  brickdust-like  sediment  in 
the  mine,  it  may  be  considered  chronicy  and 
should  be  treated  with  a  moderate  A  D  current, 
once  in  two  days.  Place  P.  P.  at  the  coccyx, 
and  treat  with  N.  P.  over  the  affected  kidneys. 
There  may  be  no  sense  of  soreness  or  swelling, 
but  dull  pain.  Treat  six  to  ten  minutes.  But  if 
the  inflammation  should  rise  to  an  active  or  acute 
state,  reverse  the  polea. 


j. 


116 


BLEOTRICAL  MEDICATION. 


RBKAL  CALCULI.  {Gravel  in  the  Kidneyt.) 
Take  the  A  C  current,  of  considerable  force. 
Place  N.  P.  low  upon  the  bladder,  and  treat  with 
P.  P.  upon  the  inflamed  and  painful  point  five  to 
eight  minutes,  once  or  twice  a  day.  If  treating 
twice  a  day,  continue  not  more  than  five  minutes 
at  a  time. 

DIABETES.  {A  Kidney  Disease.) 
This  disease  occurs  in  two  forms — diabetes 
insipidus  and  diabetes  mellitiis.  In  the  first 
named  form,  the  disease  is  readily  cured.  In 
the  latter,  it  is  very  formidable,  and  is  rarely,  if 
ever,  cured  by  medicines ;  especially  when  of  long 
standing.  In  this  latter  variety  of  the  disease, 
the  urea  is  absent  from  the  urine,  and  in  its  place 
is  found  more  or  less  of  sugar — often  large 
quantities :  Dunglison  says  2J  oz.  in  a  pint. 

The  electrical  state  of  the  disease,  in  both  of 
these  forms,  is  negative  in  excess. 

1.  J),  insipidus.  Use  the  B  D  current,  of 
moderate  force.  Place  P.  P.  at  the  coccyx  or 
on  the  upper  dorsal  vertebra,  or  on  both  in 
alternation,  which  is  better,  and  treat  over  the 
kidneys  with  N.  P.  five  to  eight  minutes,  once  a 


lOATION. 

[  in  the  Kidneyt.) 

■  considerable  force. 

idder,  and  treat  with 
painful  point  five  to 
a  day.     If  treating 

)re  than  five  minutes 


my  Disease.) 
two   forms — diabetes 
llitus.      In   the  first 
i  readily  cured.     In 
able,  and  is  rarely,  if 
pecially  when  of  long 
iriety  of  the  disease, 
irine,  and  in  its  place 
sugar — often  large 
2}  oz.  in  a  pint, 
le  disease,  in  both  of 
izcess. 

he  B  D  current,  of 
P.  at  the  coccyx  or 
ebra,  or  on  both  in 
f,  and  treat  over  the 
eight  minutes,  once  a 


BLBCTRICAL  HBDIOATION. 


117 


day  for  three  or  four  days.  If  this  should  fail 
to  cure,  (as  it  seldom  will),  go  on  with  the  same 
treatment  three  times  a  week. 

2.  2>.  mellitus.  Take  the  A  D  current,  of 
mild  force.  Place  P.  P.  as  in  d.  insipiJtUj  and 
treat  the  kidneys  with  N.  P.  about  five  to  eight 
minutes,  three  times  a  week ;  supplementing  this 
with  general  tonic  treatment^  once  or  twice  a 
week. 

Be  patient  and  persevering.  In  bad  cases, 
months  will  be  required  to  effect  a  cure ;  but  per- 
sistent effort,  as  above  prescribed,  will  rarely  if 
ever  fail,  unless  the  vital  force  is  nearly  ex- 
pended. 

DYSPKPSIA. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  of  diseases  to 
control  by  any  of  the  ordinary  modes  of  medical 
practice ;  and  yet,  under  judicious  electrical  treat- 
ment, it  is  one  of  the  surest  to  yield.  The  dis- 
ease assumes  various  phases  in  different  persons, 
and  at  different  times  in  the  same  person,  requir- 
ing varied  treatment. 

The  pain,  after  eating,  is  severe ;  exhalations  of 
air,  apparently  from  the  inner  surfaces  of  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  or  of  gas  from  their  decom- 
*6 


BLBCTBICAL  MBDIOATION. 

posing  contents,  are  large — often  enormous.    The 
stomach  is  much  of  the  time  acid,  and,  in  some 
cases,  sensibly  cold,  ejecting  often  a  cold  mucus. 
The  bowels  are  habitually  constipated.    The  pa- 
tient is  nervous,  irritable,  and  subject  to  great 
depression  of  spirits.     In  this  stage  or  phase  of 
the  disease,  there  is  a  negative  condition  of  the 
digestive  apparatus  generally.     Trc*t  with  the 
A  D  current,  in  mild  force,  and  expect  the  case 
to  require  consiu  rable  time.     But,  since  there  is 
no   approach  to  uaiformity  among  patients,  no 
approximation  to  definite  time  can  be  stated. 
Gwe  general  tonic  treatment,  (page  96),  three  times 
a  -week,  and  close  each  sitting  with  local  treat- 
ment, having  P.  P.  at  the  coccyx,  and  manipu- 
lating some  five  minutes  with  N.  P.  over  the 
entire  front  parts  of  the  abdomen  and  thorax, 
and  over  the  liver.  ^'      -    -  -     • 

It  is  sometimes  found,  in  old  cases,  that  there 
is  no  sensible  acidity  of  stomach;  but  &  pyrosis— 
a  burning  sensation  in  the  stomach,  or  a  little 
above,  in  what  is  usually  termed  "the  pit  of  the 
stomach."  Treat  this  about  three  minutes  with 
the  P.  P.,  strong  force ;  moving  N.  P.,  long  cord, 
over  the  lower  dorsal  vertebrae. 


.^4^::. 


)IOATION. 

jften  enormous.    The 
ae  acid,  and,  in  some 
;  often  a  cold  mucus, 
lonstipated.     The  pa- 
and  subject  to  great 
his  stage  or  phase  of 
&tive  condition  of  the 
,:iy.     Treat  with  the 
,  and  expect  the  case 
3.    But,  since  there  is 
J  among  patients,  no 
time   can  be  stated. 
,  (page  95),  three  times 
tting  with  local  treat- 
coccyx,  and  manipu- 
with  N.  P.  over  the 
abdomen  and  thorax, 

tt  old  cases,  that  there 
imach ;  but  a  pyrosis — 
le  stomach,  or  a  little 
iermed  "the  pit  of  the 
out  three  minutes  with 
oving  N.  P.,  long  cord, 


KLECTRIOAL  MBDIOAXION. 


ACUTE   DIARRHOBA. 


119 


Take  B  D  current.  Place  N.  P.,  long  cord, 
upon  the  lumbar  vertebrae  and  sacrum,  moving  it 
often  along  the  spine,  from  a  position  opposite  to 
the  umbillicus  down  to  the  coccyx ;  and  treat  with 
P.  P.  over  the  abdomen,  and  more  especially 
wherever  pain  or  sensations  of  uneasiness  appear. 
In  severe  cases,  treat  several  times  in  a  day — 
once  in  two  to  three  hours,  if  need  require,  three 
to  five  minutes  at  a  time.  Use  current  of  full 
medium  strength,  if  the  patient  can  bear  it. 

CHRONIC   DIARRH(EA. 

Take  A  D  current,  of  very  mild  force.  Place 
P.  P.  at  the  feet,  and  treat  with  N.  P.  over  the 
lower  limbs  briefly;  then  over  the  bowels  and 
stomach,  both  front  and  rear,  some  three  to  five 
minutes ;  then  pass  up  with  N.  P.  over  the  anterior 
parts  of  the  chest,  two  or  three  minutes;  and, 
next,  place  N.  P.  low  on  the  back  of  neck,  with 
P.  P.  still  at  feet,  two  or  three  minutes.  Treat 
in  this  manner  once  daily. 

If  at  any  time  the  bowels  should  become  un- 
usually flatulent,  and  evacuations  should  increase 
in  frequency,  change  the  treatment.     Place  N.  P. 


BLBOTRTCAL   MKDIOATION. 

at  back  of  neck,  as  before,  and  treat  about  five 
minutes  with  P.  P.  (force  increased  to  moderate 
current)  over  the  abdomen,  daily,  from  one  to 
three  days,  as  may  be  necessary.  After  this, 
resume  treatment  as  first  above  prescribed. 

COLIC — of  whatwer  kind. 

Use  A  D  current,  pretty  strong  force.  In 
severe  cases,  introduce  the  rectum  instrument 
N.  P.,  long  cord,  or  in  mild  cases,  place  sponge-roll 
N.  P.,  long  cord,  at  coccyx,  and  treat  with  P.  P. 
over  all  the  abdomen,  three  to  five  minutes.  It 
may  be  repeated,  if  necessary,  in  thirty  minutes. 

CHOLERA  MORBUS. 

Keep  the  patient  still  as  possible  on  his  back. 
Use  A  D  current,  strong  force.  Place  N.  P.,  long 
cord,  at  coccyx,  and  treat  with  P.  P.  over  abdo- 
men, five  to  ten  minutes,  and  repeat,  if  necessary, 
in  thirty  to  sixty  minutes.  If  there  be  cramps, 
touch  the  contracted  muscles  with  the  P.  P.,  for 
a  few  moments,  without  disturbing  N.  P. 

OHOLBRA.     {Malignant.) 
As  in  cholera  morbus,  keep  the  patient  on  his 


-^.:.r^:::-m 


3ATI0N. 

Qd  treat  about  five 
reased  to  moderate 
laily,  from  one  to 
Bsary.  After  this, 
'e  prescribed. 

erkind. 

strong  force.  In 
rectum  instrument 
es,  place  sponge-roll 
ad  treat  with  P.  P. 
;o  five  minutes.  It 
r,  in  thirty  minutes. 

BUS. 

lossible  on  his  back. 
I.  Place  N.  P.,  long 
th  P.  P.  over  abdo- 
repeat,  if  necessary, 
If  there  be  cramps, 
\  with  the  P.  P.,  for 
rbingN.  P. 

'tenant.) 

)p  the  patient  on  his 


BLBOTRIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


121 


back,  still  as  can  be.      Use  A  D  current,  full 
medium  strength. 

In  the  early  stage,  or  during  the  '* rice-water' 
discharges,  and  down  to  the  time  of  collapse, 
treat  the  abdomen  and  thorax  with  P.  P.,  having 
N.  P.,  long  cord,  on  back  of  neck — not  too  near 
the  head.  After  treating  so  a  few  momenta — 
say  four  to  six  minutes — remove  P.  P.  to  the 
back,  and  pass  it  along  elose  upon  each  side  of 
the  spinous  processes  from  the  lower  lumbar  up 
to  about  the  middle  of  the  dorsal  vertebrae.  Con- 
tinue this  about  three  or  four  minutes. 

If  cramping  accompany  the  vomiting  and  purg- 
ing, carry  the  P.  P.  a  part  of  the  time  to  the 
muscles  in  spasm,  leaving  N.  P.  still  at  the  back 
of  neck,  with  long  cord. 

Repeat  the  above  processes  as  often  as  once  an 
hour  until  symptoms  improve.  Then  reduce  their 
frequency  as  the  case  will  admit  of. 

In  the  state  of  collapse,  place  P.  P.,  long  cord, 
at  the  coccyx,  and  manipulate  with  N.  P.  over 
the  entire  trunk  and  arms;  bestowing  a  larger 
share  of  treatment  along  up  the  spine  than  else- 
where. Then  remove  P.  P.,  long  cord,  to  feet, 
and  work  with  N.  P.  all  over  the  lower  limbs  and 
hips.     Treat  in  this  stage  of  the  disease  some  six 


aEHf«?i-:;X: 


i 


122 


BLKOTRICAL   MBDIOATIOK. 


or  eight  minutes  at  a  time,  and  repeat  it  as  the 
case  seems  to  demand  —  once  in  thirty  minutes  to 
once  in  two,  four  or  six  hours,  until  improvement 
or  death  shall  ensue.     ^<.      page  81.) 


DYSENTERY. 

Treat  exactly  as  in  acute  diarrhoea,  except 
that  P.  P.  should  be  moved  more  over  the  colon 
and  rectum  than  in  diarrhoea. 

CONSTIPATION   OF   BOWELS. 

This  disease  may  proceed  from  either  a  nega 
tive  condition — a  state  of  atonj/  from  lack  of 
nutrition,  or  a  partial  paralysia  of  the  bowels — 
or  from  a  positive  condition — a  state  of  relaxa- 
tion and  consequent  weakness  of  the  muscular 
tissues  of  the  bowels.  In  either  of  these  cases, 
the  peristaltic  action  of  the  intestines  becomes 
enfeebled,  and  constipation  ensues. 

In  either  case,  use  the  A  D  current,  of  medium 
force.  In  the  first-mentioned  caso,  place  P.  P. 
at  back  of  neck,  or  in  the  mouth  with  tongue 
instrument,  and  treat  with  N.  P.  over  liver, 
stomach  and  bowels ;  or  place  N.  P.  at  the  anus. 
Treat  so  five  to  eight  minutes. 

In  the  second-specified  case,  place  N.  P.  at 


L 


lOR. 


repeat  it  as  the 
thirty  minutes  to 
itil  improvement 
81.)        . 


Harrhoea,  except 
'e  over  the  colon 


m  either  a  nega 
ly  from  lack  of 
of  the  bowels — 
state  of  relaxa- 
of  the  muscular 
r  of  these  cases, 
testines  becomes 
es. 

rrent.  of  medium 
caso,  place  P.  P. 
>uth  with  tongue 
'.  P.  over  liver, 
!^.  P.  at  the  anus. 

,  place  N.  P.  at 


BLBOTRIOAIi   MBDIOATION. 


123 


back  of  neck  or  on  the  dorsal  vertebr»,  and 
treat  with  P.  P.  over  the  bowels  five  to  eight 
minutes.  "  "v"  "*    ' 

In  both  cases,  repeat  the  treatment  daily  until 
relief  is  afforded.  Or,  if  the  case  be  chronic, 
treat  daily  for  three  or  four  days,  and,  after  that, 
three  times  a  week.  It  is  well  also  to  give  gen- 
eral tonic  treatment  as  often  as  once  a  week. 
The  patient  should  be  urged  to  retire  and  invite 
an  evacuation  regularly,  about  the  same  hour 
daily,  whether  success  attend  it  or  not. 

H(EMOBBHOIDS.      (P»7e«.) 

If  the  case  be  recent,  take  the  B  D  current ; 
if  old,  take  A  D.  Place  the  patient  in  a  recum- 
bent position,  and  let  the  rectum  instrument,  P.  P., 
be  introduced,  wet.  Manipulate  with  N.  P.  along 
Ihe  spine  upon  the  dorsal  vertebrae.  Where  there 
is  prolapsus  ani,  the  sponge-roll,  placed  at  the 
anus,  may  be  used  instead  of  the  rectum  instru- 
ment, particularly  for  the  first  few  treatments. 

BHBUMATISM.     (Acute  Inflammatory.) 
First  ascertain  if  the  kidneys  be  morbidly  posi- 
tive— urine  scant  and  too  highly  colored.     If  so, 
as  is  commonly  the  case,  begin  with  the  B  D  cur- 


1S4 


BLSOTBIOAL  MBDIOATIOM. 


I! 

'I 


rent,  good  mediam  force.  Place  N.  P.  at  the 
pelvis,  and  treat  over  the  kidneys  with  P.  P.  some 
three  or  four  minutes.  Let  this  b  the  commence- 
ment of  every  treatment  until  9  difficulty  is 
corrected. 

Next,  change  to  A  D  current.  If  the  disease 
be  located  in  the  hips  or  lower  limbs,  put  the  feet 
in  warm  water  with  the  tin  electrode  N.  P.,  or 
place  the  sponge-roll  N.  P.  at  the  soles  of  the  feet, 
and  treat  with  P.  P.  upon  and  a  little  aboye  the 
affected  parts ;  usiug  such  force  of  current  as  the 
patient  can  bear.  The  pain  will  commonly  sub- 
side under  treatment.  If  the  disease  be  as  low 
a»  the  ankles  or  feet,  use  the  long  cord  with 
N.  P. 

If  the  shoulders,  arms  or  hands  be  affected, 
treat  them  on  the  same  principles  as  are  pre- 
scribed for  the  lower  limbs ;  using  the  long  cord 
with  N.  P.  when  the  disease  is  below  the  elbows. 

When  the  disease  is  in  the  hands  or  feet,  or 
near  to  them,  if  the  shoulders  or  hips  be  not 
involved,  it  is  often  necessary,  after  three  or  four 
treatments  as  above  described,  to  reverte  the  poUt 
for  a  few  moments,  giving  an  ascending  current ; 
but  still  using  the  long  cord  with  N.  P. 

![f  the  disease  be  located  anywhere  in  the 


'i_ 


T 


lOK. 

e  N.  P.  at  the 

with  P.  P.  some 

the  commence- 

is  difficulty  if 

If  the  dinease 
nbs,  put  the  feet 
otrode  N.  P.,  or 
soles  of  the  feet, 
i  little  abore  the 
)f  current  as  the 
1  commonly  sub- 
isease  be  as  low 
long  cord  with 

buds  be  affected, 
[)les  as  are  pre- 
ig  the  long  cord 
»elow  the  elbows, 
lands  or  feet,  or 

or  hips  be  not 
rter  three  or  four 

rever$e  the  polea 
sending  current; 
iN.  P. 
kuywhere  in  the 


BLBOTRIOAL   MEDICATION. 

trunk,  neck  or  head,  treat  the  affected  part  with 
P.  P.,  placing  N.  P.  on  some  adjacent  part  of 
the  spine,  and  usually  at  a  point  somewhat  lower 
(2otm  than  the  disease.     :^      *         ,s,v      ;j     f? 

For  acute  inflammatory  rheumatism,  treat  once 
a  day.  The  length  of  time  for  each  treatment 
must  depend  on  the  location  and  extent  of  the 
affected  part  or  parts.  In  this  matter,  the  prac- 
titioner must  decide  for  himself,  or  infer  from  the 
time  prescribed  in  the  treatment  of  other  inflam- 
matory affections,    -rf-.t^     \..*fev^'«*S..'i->'i.-  -->■!-»'■ 

RHEUMATISM.  {Chronic.) 
Use  the  A  D  current  ahoayt  in  rheumatic  affec- 
tions. If  there  be  no  visible  inflammation  or 
swelling  in  the  diseased  parts,  approach  such 
parts  in  the  same  manner  as  in  acute  inflamma- 
tory rheumatism,  except  with  reverted  polet. 
The  parts  affected  require  to  come  under  the 
N.  P.  rather  than  the  P.  P.,  and  to  be  treated 
with  considerable  force.  There  are  apparently 
exceptional  cases,  referred  to  on  page  88,  which 


dCC* 


>■#*?'; '^ifc^;::^!*  ':ji^-*^Si- 


••f'fj    '^■:il:'V^  'r, 


Where  joints  are  being  dislocated,  treat  the 
parts  with  N.  P.,  quite  mild  force,  so  long  as  it 
can  be  done  without  exciting  acute  inflammation. 


mm 


126 


BLKCTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


If  this  should  arise,  it  must  be  repressed  with 

P.  P. 

Treat  chronic  rheumatism  ahout  three  times 

a  week.  .  ' 

DROPSY. 

Use  the  A  D  current,  moderate  force.  Give 
general  tonic  treatment;  then  place  P.  P.  with 
the  feet,  in  a  vessel  of  warm  water,  or  place  the 
sponge-roll  P.  P.  at  the  soles  of  the  feet,  and  treat 
the  affected  parts  a  few  minutes  with  N.  P.,  to 
quicken  the  absorbents.  If  the  disease  be  in  the 
feet  or  lower  limbs,  use  long  cord  with  P.  P.  while 
treating  them.  Next  place  N.  P.  upon  the  lower 
part  of  the  bladder,  or,  what  is  better,  imme- 
diately below  the  pubic  articulation,  and  treat 
over  the  kidneys  three  to  five  minutes  with  P.  P. 
Repeat  the  treatments  about  three  times  a  week. 

NBURALOIA. 

If  the  disease  be  general  in  the  system,  movi"^ 
from  place  to  place,  or  causing  transient  acute 
pains  here  and  there,  give  general  tonic  treatment, 
three  times  a  week,  for  several  weeks— perhaps  a 
month  or  two,  provided  the  case  be  an  old  one. 
This  will  invigorate  the  nervous  system  and 
equalize   the   electric   action.       Belief   will    be 


mmm 


mm 


kTlON. 

be  repressed  with 
al)Out   three  times 


erate  force.  Give 
place  P.  P.  with 
water,  or  place  the 
f  the  feet,  and  treat 
ites  with  N.  P.,  to 
iie  disease  be  in  the 
trd  with  P.  P.  while 
.  P.  upon  the  lower 
,t  is  better,  imme- 
culation,  and  treat 
minutes  with  P.  P. 
three  times  a  week. 


the  system,  moving 
ing  transient  acute 
eral  tonic  treatment, 
i\  weeks — perhaps  a 
case  be  an  old  ono. 
lervous  system  and 
.      Belief  will    be 


BLBCTRIOAL   MBDICATIOM. 


127 


afforded  soon ;  but  for  the  sake  of  cure,  the  treat- 
ment of  an  old  case  should  be  continued  as  here 
directed.  If  the  disease  bo  local,  use  the  B  D 
current,  with  as  much  force  as  the  patient  can 
bear  without  irritating  painfulness.  Treat  the 
affected  part,  or  parts,  with  P.  P.,  placing  N.  P., 
long  cord,  upon  some  proximate  healthy  part,  at 
a  point  a  little  lower  down  than  the  part  in  pain. 
The  spine,  when  convenient,  is  commonly  the  best 
point  for  it.  In  treating  the  painful  part,  pass  the 
electrode  more  or  less  also  over  the  nerves  adjacent 
to  the  one  principally  affected.  Treat  five  to 
eight  minutes  daily. 


"?■'!.'■ 


;  SCIATIOA. 

This  is  neuralgia  in  an  ischiatio  nerve,  com- 
monly the  great  ischiatic. 

Use  the  B  D  current,  strong  as  the  patient  can 
•well  bear.  Place  the  foot*  in  warm  water  with 
N.  P.,  or  place  the  sponge-roll  N.  P.  at  the  solo 
of  the. foot,  (the  former  is  the  best,)  and  treat 
with  P.  P.  over  the  painful  part,  and  also,  more 
or  less,  over  other  adjacent  parts.  It  is  also 
well,  in  order  to  prevent  too  much  exhaustion  of 
the  limb,  to  reverse  the  poles  every  third  or  fourth 
time ;  but  in  so  doing,  use  the  long  cord  with  N.  P. 


l< 


h 


128 


■LHOTRIOAL  MBDIOATIOH. 


PARALYSIS. 


Take  the  B  D  conent,  medium  force.     If  the 
paralysis  be  in  a  lower  limb,  place  P.  P.,  /•'■^^ 
cord,  upon  the  lower  lumbar  vertebra,  so  as  to 
reach  the  hypogastric  plexus,  and  treat  with  the 
metallic  brush,  N.  P.,  five  to  eight  minutes,  over 
all  the  affected  parts.     Then  close  the  sitting  with 
revened  poU;  about  one  to  two  minutes,  having 
P.  P.,  long  cord,  at  the  foot,  and  manipulating 
over  the  parts  affected,  aud  especially  over  the 
lumbar  vertebra,  with  N.  P.     This  is  to  prevent 
depletion  by  running  off  the  electro-vit»l  fluid  too 
much,  and  to  force  the  electric  current  through 
the  nerves  in  an  upward  and  inward  tonic-giving 
direction.     If  the  disease  be  in  an  arm  or  hand, 
treat  it  in  a  manner  analogous   to  the  above; 
extending  the  treatment  from  back  of  neck  to  the 
affected  parts.  •         -  ^  ' 

In  ^•wes  of  hemiplegia  or  parapUgia,  run  the 
curr  mt  from  the  healthy  tide  of  the  spine,  (in 
hemiplegia,)  or  from  a  healthy  part  of  the  spine, 
(in  paraplegia),  to  and  through  the  paralyzed 
parts,  by  placing  P.  P.,  long  cord,  on  spine,  and 
manipulating  with  N.  P.,  metallic  brush  com- 
monly,  upon  the  parts  paralyzed.      Close  the 


I 


>IOATIOir. 


8. 


edium  force.  If  the 
lb,  place  P.  P.,  lo^J 
»r  vertebrse,  so  m  to 
18,  and  treat  with  the 
;o  eight  rainutes,  over 
1  close  the  sitting  with 
>  two  minutes,  having 
)0t,  and  manipulating 
d  especially  over  the 
?.  This  ia  to  prevent 
B  electro-vital  fluid  too 
ictrio  current  through 
nd  inward  tonic-giving 
be  in  an  arm  or  band, 
Jogous  to  the  above; 
}m  back  of  neck  to  the 

jr  paraphgia,  run  the 
$ide  of  the  spine,  (in 
klthy  part  of  the  spine, 
hrough  the  p«»ralyzed 
)ng  eordf  on  spine,  and 
,,  metallic  brush  com- 
paralyzed.      Close  the 


BLECTRIOAIi   MBDIOATIOH. 


129 


treatment  with  reversed  poles  for  a  moment  or 
two,  as  in  the  preceding  cases.  Old  paralysis 
requires  considerable  time  to  cure  it.  Treat  about 
three  times  a  week,  occasionally  omitting  a  week. 

BRTBIPELAB. 

Take  the  A.  D.  current,  medium  force,  in  all 
forms  of  the  diseases. 

1.  When  acute,  and  characterised  by  high 
inflammation,  with  bright,  smooth  swelling,  and 
spreading  gradually  and  sometimes  rapidly  to 
surrounding  parts ;  or  when  small  vesicles  appear 
on  the  inflamed  parts,  which  dry  up  in  little  bran- 
like scales  and  fall  off*. 

If  it  be  located  anywhere  upon  the  face,  place 
N.  P.,  long  eord,  upon  back  of  neck,  ar>d  treat  the 
parts  aflfected  with  P.  P.  Treat  about  three  to 
five  minutes  at  a  time,  three  or  four  times  daily. 

If  it  be  located'  in  the  arm  or  hand,  place  the 
extremity  in  tepid  water  with  N.  P.,  long  cord, 
and  treat  upon  or  just  above  the  diseased  part 
with  P.  P. 

If  it  be  in  any  part  of  the  trunk,  (which,  in 
this  form,  is  not  so  common,)  place  N.  P.,  long 
cord,' upon  some  point  of  the  spine  as  near  the 


T 


130 


BLBCTElCAIi  MEDICATION. 


diseased  part  as  may  be,  but  a  little  lower  down, 
and  treat  the  part  affected  with  P.  P. 

In  each  of  these  cases,  treat  briefly,  but  fre- 
quently, as  directed  above.  ,   • 

2.  When  small,  blister-like,  serous  vesicles — 
phlyctcena—aTpTpeaTj  and  the  inflammation  term- 
inates in  gangrene;  or  when  there  is  such  an 
infiltration  of  serum  as  to  produce  an  oedemetous 
condition,  place  P.  P.,  long  cord,  upon  some  con- 
venient healthy  part,  (the  spinal  cord,  or  other 
nerve  centre  which  gives  nervous  service  to  the 
part  affected,  is  best,)  and  treat  the  lesion  with 
N.  P.,  light  force,  five  to  eight  minutes  daily. 

ERUPTIVE   CUTANEOUS  DISEASES. 

Take  A  D  current,  pretty  vigorous  force  in 
acute  cases;  mild  in  chronic  affections.  If  the 
eruption  be  inflamed  and  acute,  use  long  cord  with 
N.  P. :  if  sluggish  and  chronic,  use  long  cord  with 
P.  P.  Move  the  two  electrodes  parallel  to  each 
other,  upon  the  patient,  about  two  or  three  inches 
apart ;  and  pass  them  over  all  the  affected  sur- 
face. Repeat  the  treatment  daily  in  acute  affec- 
tions, and  three  times  a  week  in  chronic  cases. 


SI 

ti 
a 
ii 
k 

C( 

tl 
c 
c 
t^ 

V 

e 


)ICATION. 

t  a  little  lower  down, 

nth  P.  P. 

treat  briefly,  but  fre- 

ike,  serous  vesicles — 
e  inflammation  term- 
len  there  is  such  an 
)roduce  an  oedemetous 
cord,  upon  some  con- 
spinal  cord,  or  other 
lervous  service  to  the 
treat  the  lesion  with 
ght  minutes  daily. 

3US   DISEASES. 

etty  vigorous  force  in 
riic  affections.  If  the 
jute,  use  long  cord  with 
)nic,  use  long  cord  with 
;rodo8  parallel  to  each 
out  two  or  three  inches 
}r  all  the  affected  sur- 
ttt  daily  in  acute  affec- 
eek  in  chronic  cases. 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


COMMON  CRAMP. 


181 


Although  either  the  positive  or  the  negative 
pole,  applied  to  the  healthy  muscle,  may  produce 
spasmodic  contraction,  yet  the  negative  pole  con- 
tracts much  more  powerfully  than  the  positive — 
a  fact  which  shows  an  electrically  plu8  condition 
in  the  nerves  and  muscles  involved.  Yet  we 
know  that  cramps  are  more  apt  to  attend  a  low 
condition  of  general  vitality  in  the  system  than 
the  opposite.  From  several  considerations,  which 
cannot  be  detailed  here,  I  am  led  to  think  that 
cramps  are  produced,  generally,  at  least,  by  a 
temporary  or  spasmodic  reaction  of  the  electro- 
vital  force  from  an  improperly  negative  to  an 
excessively  positive  state  in  the  parts  afi  .;ted. 

My  practice  is,  when  the  spasm  is  on,  to  treat 
the  parts  in  cramp  oy  momentary  touches  rapidly 
repeated,  with  the  P.  P.  of  the  B  D  or  AD  cur- 
rent, good  medium  force,  placing  N.  P.  at  the 
b3ck  of  neck,  if  the  disturbance  be  in  an  arm  ;  or 
at  the  coccyx,  if  it  be  in  a  leg  or  in  the  abdomen 
or  chest. 

In  treating  parts  subject  to  cramp  while  the 
spasm  is  not  on,  give  them,  along  with  other 
parts   of    the   system,  general   tonic  treatment, 


132 


ELECTRICAL   MEDICATION. 


as  directed  on  page  95.     This  elevates  and  equal- 
izes the  electro-vital  action,  and  relievcL  the  diffi- 

culty.  ,  r     »  •       \ 

TRISMUS.    {Lockjaw.) 

For  traumatic  trismus,  use  the  B  D  current,  of 
vigorous  force.  Let  the  wound  be  kept  open  and 
clear,  except  that  soothing  emollients  may  be 
applied.  Place  N.  P.  at  the  coccyx,  or  near  it 
on  the  spine;  and  then  treat,  by  firm  but  mo- 
mentary touches  of  the  P.  P.,  over  the  lower 
mfixmiB.Tj—pterygoid-mviSc\es  and  nerves;  in- 
deed, over  the  entire  lower  jaw  and  its  articula- 
tions. Treat  five  to  ten  minutes,  if  necessary,  or 
until  the  jaws  relax. 

TETANUS. 

This  is  substantially  the  same  thing  as  trimusy 
except  that  it  extends  to  other  parts,  and  often  to 
nearly  all  the  muscles  of  the  organism.     Under 
ordinary  treatment,  it  is  almost  invariably  fatal. 
I  am  not  aware  that  it  has  been  sufficiently  sub- 
mitted to  our  electrical  system  to  determine  satis- 
factorily the  question  of  its  amenabiUty  to  it.    Yet 
I  see  no  reason  to  doubt  that,  in  the  most  of 
cases,  when  taken  within  reasonable  time,  it  may 
be  cured. 


3ATI0N. 


BLBOTRICAL    MEDICATION. 


183 


elevates  and  equal- 
id  relieves  the  diflGi- 

kjaw.) 

the  B  D  current,  of 
td  be  kept  open  and 
emollients  may  be 
coccyx,  or  near  it 
kt,  by  firm  but  mo- 
P.,  over  the  lower 
les  and  aerves;  in- 
aw  and  its  artioula- 
ites,  if  necessary,  or 


ime  thing  as  tritmus, 
it  parts,  and  often  to 
e  organism.  Under 
lost  invariably  fatal, 
been  sufficiently  sub- 
im  to  determine  satis- 
menability  to  it.  Yet 
that,  in  the  most  of 
asonable  time,  it  may 


Use  the  B  D  current,  in  pretty  strong  force. 
Place  the  N.  P.,  long  cord,  at  the  feet,  and  treat 
with  P.  P.  from  the  medulla  oblongata,  or  from 
the  upper  cervical  vertebra,  all  along  down  the 
spine,  for  several  minutes  —  say,  three  to  five 
minutes.  Then  pass  with  P.  P.  over  the  whole 
trunk  and  limbs.  Continue  to  treat  until  relaxa- 
tion takes  place,  or  all  hope  of  reliuf  departs. 

OANOBBS. 

Cancers  take  on  a  variety  of  forms,  distin- 
guished by  different  names  ;  but  since  they  all 
require  substantially  the  same  electrical  treat- 
ment, it  is  unnecessary  here  to  describe  them. 

Begin  with  the  A  B  current  in  pretty  full 
volume.  [The  volume  of  the  current  is  increased 
by  increasing  the  quantity  of  battery  fluid.]  Use 
this  for  several  weeks,  and  then  change  to  the 
A  D  current.  Treat  daily.  The  time  for  each 
treatment  must  be  determined  by  the  judgment  of 
the  practitioner;  varying  it  according  to  the 
peculiar  character  and  location  of  the  disease. 

If  the  cancer  be  on  the  face,  or  on  any  part  of 

the  head  or  breast,  place  P.  P.  on  back  of  neck ; 

but  if  it  be  in  the  stomach,  uterus,  or  any  of  the 

abdominal  viscera,  place  P.  P.  on  spine,  a  little 

7 


184  BLBCTRICAL  MEDICATION. 

higher  than  the  affected  part.  Then  treat  the 
disease  with  N.  P.,  long  cord,  so  as  to  run  the 
current  immediately  out  from  the  lesion,  and  yet 
hring  the  latter  on  the  negative  side*  of  the 
central  point  in  the  circuit;  that  is,  within  the 
negative  half  of  the  whole  circuit. 

ASPHYXIA.  {Suspended  Animation.) 
•  Use  B  D  current,  pretty  strong  force.  Place 
p  P  at  back  of  neck-second  or  third  cervical 
vertebra,  and  treat  with  N.  P.  over  all  the  chest 
and  along  the  lower  margin  of  the  ribs,  so  as  to 
excite  the  pectoral  muscles,  lungs  and  diaphragm. 

EECENT  WOUNDS,  CONTUSIONS  AND  BURNS. 

Use  the  B  D  current,  strong  force  as  can  be 
borne.    Bring  the  lesion  under  P.  P.,  and  place 
N  P.  at  discretion,  in  view  of  the  location  of  the 
iniury.     Treat  five  to  eight  minutes,  twice  or 
thrice  on  the  same  day.     Unless  the  injury  is 
very  severe,  no  further  treatment  will  be  required. 
Healing  will  take  place  with  little  or  no  soreness 
or  swelling.     In  severe  cases,  repeat  the  treat- 
ment  whenever  inflammation  gets  too  high.     If 
/«n9U8-"  proud  flesh  "-should  appet..-,  treat 


' »  8eo  Polarization  of  the  Circuit.    Page  29. 


"fir 


[CATION. 

ft.  Then  treat  the 
■d,  80  as  to  run  the 
I  the  lesion,  and  yet 
•gative  side*  of  the 
;  that  is,  within  the 
ircuit. 

ed  Animation.) 
strong  force.  Place 
jond  or  third  cervical 
.  P.  over  all  the  chest 
1  of  the  ribs,  so  as  to 
lungs  and  diaphragm. 

rsiONS  AND  BURNS. 

trong  force  as  can  be 
under  P.  P.,  and  place 
J  of  the  location  of  the 
ght  minutes,  twice  or 
Unless  the  injury  is 
itment  will  be  required, 
ith  little  or  no  soreness 
sases,  repeat  the  treat- 
ion  gets  too  high.     If 
—  should  appet.'-,  treat 


ELECTRICAL  MEDICATION. 


185 


that  with  a  small-pointed  electrode,  N.  P.,  placing 
P.  P.  on  a  healthy  part,  not  remote,  using  A  0 
current,  in  pretty  strong  force. 

OLD  ULCERS. 

Take  the  A  D  current.  If  torpid,  treat  with 
mild  force.  Treat  the  sore  with  N.  P.,  while 
P.  P.  is  held  upon  some  healthy  part,  and  usually 
at  a  higher  point.  Treat  five  to  ten  minutes, 
three  or  four  times  a  week.  If  high  inflammation 
be  present,  this  must  first  be  reduced  by  applying 
P.  P.,  in  pretty  strong  force,  with  N.  P.  on  a 
healthy  part  not  far  away.  For  this  purpose, 
treat  some  five  to  eight  minutes  daily.  Then, 
when  the  inflammation  is  sufficiently  subdued, 
treat  as  when  torpid,  with  mild  force  and  less  fre- 
quently. It  is  best,  when  it  can  be  done,  to  place 
the  affected  part  in  warm  water  along  with  N.  P. ; 
bringing  the  ulcer  immediately  above  the  surface 
of  the  water. 

EEMORRHAQE.  , 

Take  B  D  current,  strong  force.  Apply  P.  P. 
to  the  open  blood-vessel,  or  as  near  to  it  as  pos- 
sible ;  placing  N.  P.,  long  cord,  to  some  adjacent 
part,  a  d,  as  nearly  as  practicable,  in  the  direc- 
tion fro.  •  which  the  blood  chiefly  comes. 


I 


186 


BLBCnaiOAli  MEDICATION. 


CHLOROSIS.     {Oreen  Sicknesa.) 

This  is  a  disease  mostly  or  entirely  peculiar  to 
young  women  who  have  not  menstruated,  and  dis- 
appears on  the  establishment  of   the  monthly 

periods. 

Take  the  A  D   current.    If  any   symptoms 
exist  of  an  effort  of  nature  to  bring  on  the  uienees, 
note  the  time  of  them,  and  regard  it,  in  the  treat- 
ment, as  the  proper  monthly  period.     If  no  symp- 
toms of  such  a  period  are  perceptible,  the  prac- 
titioner  must  fix  upon  a  time  for  it,  and  regard  it 
accordingly.    About  four  to  six  days  before  the 
periodic  time,  commence  to  treat  as  follows,  using 
a  moderate  force :   Insert  the  uterine  electrode, 
N.  P.,  wet  in  warm  water,  per  vagina,  until  it 
meets  the  uterus ;  and  manipulate  with  P.  P.  over 
the  dorsal  and  first  two  lumbar  vertebrse,  and 
more  or  less  over  the  back  on  both  sides  of  the 
Bpinal  column,  some  six  or  eight  minutes  daily, 
down  to  the  period  fixed  upon  for  the  catamenia 
to  appear.     If  they  do  not  start,  let  the  patient 
rest  for  some  four  or  five  days,  and  then  begin 
.    with  general  tonic  treatment.     (See  page  95.) 
Continue  this,  three  times  a  week,  until  within  a 
little  less  than  a  week  of  the  periodic  time,  when 


f.«!?»9(B\*»l 


[OATION. 

Sickness.) 

r  entirely  peculiar  to 
nenstruated,  and  dis- 
mt  of   the  monthly 

If  any   symptoms 
►  bring  on  the  uienees, 
egard  it,  in  the  treat- 
period.     If  no  symp- 
perceptible,  the  prac- 
e  for  it,  and  regard  it 
to  six  days  before  the 
treat  as  follows,  using 
the  uterine  electrode, 
p,  per  vagina,  until  it 
jpulatewithP.  P.  over 
lumbar  vertebrae,  and 
k  on  both  sides  of  the 
,r  eight  minutes  daily, 
ipon  for  the  catamenia 
>t  start,  let  the  patient 
3  days,  and  then  begin 
nent.     (See  page  95.) 
J  a  week,  until  within  a 
the  periodic  time,  when 


BLECTRICAT    MBDIOATION. 


187 


the  same  treatment  with  the  uterine  electrode  as 
was  at  first  employed  should  be  resumed,  and 
again  oe  coutinued  to  the  time  assigned  for  the 
menses.  If  no  success  should  appear,  return, 
after  a  few  days,  to  general  tonic  treatment  as 
before.  Let  these  forms  of  treatment  be  prose- 
cuted until  success  crowns  the  effort.  Ordinarily, 
not  many  months — perhaps  not  more  than  one  or 
two  months — will  be  required ;  especially,  if  the 
treatment  be  aided,  on  the  part  of  the  patient,  by 
a  good  degree  of  moderate  exercise  in  the  open 
air,  and  a  free,  nourishing  diet. 

AMENORRH(EA.     {Suppressed  Menstruation.) 

Treat  as  for  chlorosis.  But  if  the  case  be 
recent — the  effect  of  taking  cold — begin,  in  the 
first  few  sittings,  to  treat  eight  or  ten  minutes  as 
for  common  cold;  then  conclude  the  sitting  by 
treating,  about  as  many  minutes,  in  the  same 
manner  as  prescribed  for  chlorosis. 

DYSMENORRHEA.     {Painful  Merstruation.) 

If  the  disease  be  occasioned  by  uterine  dis- 
placement, obstructing  the  os  uteri,  the  organ 
must  be  restored  to  its  normal  position.  This 
can  best  be  done  by  mechanical  action.    But  it 

*7 


Its  BLBOTBIOAL  MBDIOATION. 

iB  most  commonly  occasioned  by  irritation  of  the 
mucus  membrane  lining' the  interior  cavity  of 
the  uterus.  Mucus  surfaces,  under  ehrmxo  im- 
tation,  are  electrically  negative.  Therefore,  m 
this  case,  if  it  be  an  old  one,  taking  the  A  D  cur- 
rent,  very  mild  force,  apply  the  uterine  electrode, 
N  P.,  to  the  0,  uten,  and  treat  over  the  lower 
dorsal  and  upper  lumbar  vertebrw  with  P.  P., 
long  cord.    Treat  live  to  eight  minutes,  three  times 

a  week.  . 

But  I  should  add,  that  recovery  from  this  in- 
firmity, when  occasioned  by  uterine  irritation, 
will  be  much  aided  by  commencing  each  sitting 
with  a  general  tonic  treatment  (see  page  95), 
and  closing  with  the  treatment  just  above  pre- 
scribed. ■ 

The  last  described  form  of  dysmenorrhoea  is 
sometimes  attended  with  spasmodic  contraction  of 
the  0%  uteri,  thus  preventing  the  catamenial  flow. 
This  may  be  readily  relieved  by  applying  P.  P. 
to  uterus,  and  N.  P.  to  lower  dorsal  aud  upper 
lumbar  vertebrse. 

MBNOKRHAQIA.     {ExceBivve  Menstruation.) 
If  the  menstrual  flow  is  apt  to  terminate  in 
hemorrhage,  it   «i   best   to  give    general  tome 


[CATION. 

by  irritation  of  the 
e  interior  cavity  of 
,  under  ehronio  irri- 
tive.  Therefore,  in 
taking  the  A  D  cur- 
;he  uterine  electrode, 
treat  over  the  lower 
rertebrw  with  P.  P., 
t  minutes,  three  times 

•ecovery  from  this  in- 
by  uterine  irritation, 
imencing  each  sitting 
ment  (see  page  95), 
ment  just  above  pre- 

i  of  dysmenorrhoea  is 
asmodic  contraction  of 
g  the  catamenial  flow, 
red  by  applying  P.  P. 
iTver  dorsal  aud  upper 


isive  Menstruation.) 
is  apt  to  terminate  in 
to  give    general  tonic 


ELROTBIOAL  MBDIOATION. 


189 


treatmentt,  about  three  times  a  week,  between 
the  periods;  and  during  the  last  four  or  five 
days  before  color  is  expected  to  appear,  to  take  the 
B  D  current,  medium  force,  and  treat  the  uterus 
directly,  once  a  day,  with  the  uterine  electrode 
P.  P.,  while  moving  N.  P.  over  the  dorsal  ver- 
tebrsB,  about  five  to  eight  minutes,  at  the  olose  of 
general  tonio  treatment. 

If  there  be  no  hemorrhage,  properly,  but  only 
too  profuse  or  too  long-continued  flow  of  cata- 
menia,  the  discharge  may  commonly  be  stopped 
by  one  or  two  treatments,  of  eight  to  ten  minutes 
each,  with  the  uterine  electrode,  as  prescribed 
above. 

PROLAPSUS  UTERI.    {Falling  of  the  Womb.) 

Take  the  B  D  current,  of  good  medium  force, 
and  give  general  tonic  treatment  (see  page  95),  on 
alternate  days,  ten  minutes,  passing  briefly  over 
the  several  parts.  After  this,  treat  five  to  eight 
minutes  with  uterine  electrode,  in  the  manner 
prescribed  for  menorrhagia.  Then  close  the  sit- 
ting by  removing  the  uterine  instrument,  substi- 
tuting the  sponge-cup  as  P.  P.,  and  treating  with 
it  externally,  about  five  minutes,  over  the  pelvic 


140 


BLBOTRIOAL   MEDICATION. 


region,  while  N.  P.  is  stationed  on  the  spine,  at 
the  first  or  second  dorsal  vertebra. 

On  the  intervening  days,  treat  only  with  the 
uterine  electrode,  as  above  prescribed. 

LBUCORRHCBA.      (^WhitCM.) 

Take  A  D  current,  very  mild  force.  Introduce 
the  vaginal  electrode,  N.  P.,  until  it  meets  the 
uterus,  and  manipulate  with  P.  P.  over  the  dorsal 
vertebrae  five  to  eight  minutes,  three  times  a  week. 
Once  or  twice  a  week,  on  the  intervening  days, 
give  general  tonic  treatment.  Omit  treatment 
altogether,  for  one  or  two  weeks,  once  in  two  to 
three  months.  Considerable  time  is  often  re- 
quired for  the  cure  of  old  cases. 

SPERMATORKHfflA. 

The  points  to  be  gained  are,  to  reduce  the 
action  of  the  amatorial  organs  of  the  brain  and 
the  secretion  of  the  testes,  anvi  to  contract  and 
strengthen  the  tissue  of  the  seminal  vesicles  and 
the  prostrate  gland. 

Take  the  B  D  current.  First,  treat  the  lowest 
part  of  the  cerebellum,  on  both  sides  of  the  spinal 
cord,  with  a  mild  force ;  using  P.  P.  upon  these 
organs  of  amativeness,  and  N.  P.  on  the  dorsal 


PPDlpiipupBiip 


HOATION. 

nod  on  the  bpine,  at 

•tebra. 

,  treat  only  with  the 

irescribed. 

{White$.) 

\ild  force.  Introduce 
>.,  until  it  meets  the 
P.  P.  over  the  dorsal 
BS,  three  times  a  week, 
the  intervening  days, 
mt.  Omit  treatment 
ireeks,  once  in  two  to 
»le  time  is  often  re- 
ases. 

RHCEA. 

d  are,  to  reduce  the 
gans  of  the  brain  and 
,  anvi  to  contract  and 
e  seminal  vesicles  and 


BLEOTRICAL    MBDIOATION. 


Ul 


vertebra}.  Treat  so  some  three  minutes.  Next, 
increase  the  current  to  medium  force  ;  and,  taking 
a  handled  cup  or  mug,  holding  a  pint  to  a  quart, 
mostly  filled  with  tepid  water,  drop  the  penia  and 
teiticlet  into  it,  along  with  the  tin  electrode  P.  P., 
and  move  N.  P.,  long  cord,  over  the  lumbar  ver- 
tebra}. Treat  in  thie  manner  about  five  minutes. 
Then  place  the  P.  P.  on  the  pelvis,  close  above 
the  penis,  and  again  treat  with  N.  P. ,  long  cord, 
over  the  small  of  the  back,  two  or  three  minutes. 
Treat  about  three  times  u  week. 

IMPOTENCE. 

Take  B  D  current,  moderate  force.  Treat  ex- 
actly as  in  spermatorrhoea,  except  with  reversed 
poles,  using  the  long  cord  with  P.  P.  Treat 
thrice  a  week. 


First,  treat  the  lowest 
)oth  sides  of  the  spinal 
ising  P.  P.  upon  these 
i  N.  P.  on  the  dorsal 


t 


: 


c 


I 
i 


